MNF Technology and Innovation Advisory Group (TIAG)
Terms of Reference
Version 1.3 May 2024
1. Purpose
Established by the Marine National Facility (MNF), the Technology and Innovation Advisory Group (TIAG) provides advice to the MNF to inform development of world class research technical capabilities within the MNF and any other matters requiring expertise as needed.
2. Membership
The number and composition of members on the TIAG is determined by the MNF and can change from time to time. The TIAG comprises:
- a Chair appointed by the MNF Director
- no fewer than five ordinary members that meet the criteria in Section 4
- no fewer than three ex-officio members from relevant organisations representing the technology community.
The TIAG would generally not comprise more than 12 ordinary members excluding the Chair.
The TIAG will seek to include Early Career Researchers (ECR) as detailed in Section 6.
The MNF Ship Management Program Director and Engineering and Technology Research Director are not members of the TIAG but may attend meetings as observers.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
The TIAG is an advisory body, encompassing broad representation from the MNF user community. Decision-making authority on investment resides within the MNF, however the TIAG will form the main ongoing user community body for feedback into the MNF. The roles and responsibilities specified by MNF for the TIAG are:
- Provide subject matter expert advice on current and future technology advancements with the goal of continuously improving the research capabilities supplied to the research community by the MNF
- Provide input on next generation equipment replacements, upgrades and capability enhancements to assist the MNF with development of strategic capability plans and provide advice on priorities where required
- Represent the views of the broader science community on leading practice methodologies, technology advancements and future marine research requirements in relevant fields
- Provide input to benchmarking MNF marine research capabilities at a global scale
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and equipment sharing to improve ocean research capability with other marine research institutions in the region including government agencies, research institutions and philanthropic organisations
- On request, provide relevant expert advice to the MNF Steering Committee on the technological merits of voyage applications
- Declare any real or perceived conflict of interest at the outset of any TIAG meeting for management in accordance with the MNF Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality Policy
- At all times, strictly maintain confidentiality for all aspects of TIAG business as outlined in the MNF Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality Policy.
4. Member Attributes
TIAG membership will draw on the expertise found in the marine and atmospheric science and technology community, to remain at the forefront of technology advancements and innovation in multiple areas of interest, including (but not limited to):
- Fields of research – atmospheric, biological, geoscience, oceanographic
- Techniques for collecting and analysing samples across all fields of research
- Techniques for mapping the sea floor, sub-surface, geology, benthic habitat and shipwrecks
- Instrumentation
- Autonomous technology
- Mapping and collecting samples near navigational hazards (remote shallow waters, remote islands, reefs etc)
- Data quality processes and data tools development
To equip TIAG with the appropriate skills and knowledge, the following criteria are used to select people for invitation as members:
- a track record in a discipline relevant to the MNF
- experience in a research institution or industry focused on innovative techniques and engineering solutions
- a broad understanding of marine and atmospheric scientific domains including current and future trends
- capacity to critically assess innovative techniques and engineering solutions that intersect with scientific research from blue-water platforms
- ability to communicate effectively with a range of research and industry stakeholders
- broad understanding of national science drivers and policy direction
- experience undertaking research on a blue-water research vessel.
It is intended that the collective membership will deliver these criteria – it is not expected that each member demonstrate all criteria.
MNF seeks to ensure the membership reflects a diversity of domains and sectors, age, gender, cultural background, and regional representation and these considerations inform appointment of members.
5. Substitute Member
In the case one or more members cannot participate in a meeting, the TIAG Chair, in consultation with the MNF Director, may seek a substitute for the meeting if it is felt that a member’s absence will compromise the ability for robust, informed and objective discussions.
6. Early Career Researcher
To assist with the development of the next generation of the Australian marine science and technology community, the MNF will seek to appoint up to two Early Career Researchers (ECR) as TIAG members to attend meetings and contribute to discussions.
To be eligible for appointment, an ECR candidate should ideally have less than 10 years’ experience since PhD confirmation and currently be funded in an Australian postdoctoral position such as a Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) or Ocean Sciences (OCE) Postdoctoral fellow or equivalent.
Appointed ECRs will be allocated a mentor from within the TIAG membership.
7. Terms of Appointment
Members will be invited by the MNF to join the TIAG - and have their term extended or ended - by an exchange of letters. TIAG members can resign by letter to the MNF Director.
Initial appointment of members to the TIAG will be for a term of up to three years, with the option of re-appointment for an additional term at the discretion of the MNF. Wherever possible, the replacement of TIAG members should be phased to maintain core knowledge and experience of processes within the TIAG.
8. Meetings
Meetings of the TIAG will be called by the MNF. The TIAG will meet virtually twice each year and more often at critical times. The MNF will facilitate the hosting of TIAG meetings online.
In the absence of the TIAG Chair, an alternative Chair will be nominated, otherwise the members present will nominate a member to chair the meeting.
9. Secretariat
Secretariat services for the TIAG will be provided by MNF.
MNF Technology and Innovation Advisory Group (TIAG)
Terms of Reference
Version 1.3 May 2024
1. Purpose
Established by the Marine National Facility (MNF), the Technology and Innovation Advisory Group (TIAG) provides advice to the MNF to inform development of world class research technical capabilities within the MNF and any other matters requiring expertise as needed.
2. Membership
The number and composition of members on the TIAG is determined by the MNF and can change from time to time. The TIAG comprises:
- a Chair appointed by the MNF Director
- no fewer than five ordinary members that meet the criteria in Section 4
- no fewer than three ex-officio members from relevant organisations representing the technology community.
The TIAG would generally not comprise more than 12 ordinary members excluding the Chair.
The TIAG will seek to include Early Career Researchers (ECR) as detailed in Section 6.
The MNF Ship Management Program Director and Engineering and Technology Research Director are not members of the TIAG but may attend meetings as observers.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
The TIAG is an advisory body, encompassing broad representation from the MNF user community. Decision-making authority on investment resides within the MNF, however the TIAG will form the main ongoing user community body for feedback into the MNF. The roles and responsibilities specified by MNF for the TIAG are:
- Provide subject matter expert advice on current and future technology advancements with the goal of continuously improving the research capabilities supplied to the research community by the MNF
- Provide input on next generation equipment replacements, upgrades and capability enhancements to assist the MNF with development of strategic capability plans and provide advice on priorities where required
- Represent the views of the broader science community on leading practice methodologies, technology advancements and future marine research requirements in relevant fields
- Provide input to benchmarking MNF marine research capabilities at a global scale
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and equipment sharing to improve ocean research capability with other marine research institutions in the region including government agencies, research institutions and philanthropic organisations
- On request, provide relevant expert advice to the MNF Steering Committee on the technological merits of voyage applications
- Declare any real or perceived conflict of interest at the outset of any TIAG meeting for management in accordance with the MNF Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality Policy
- At all times, strictly maintain confidentiality for all aspects of TIAG business as outlined in the MNF Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality Policy.
4. Member Attributes
TIAG membership will draw on the expertise found in the marine and atmospheric science and technology community, to remain at the forefront of technology advancements and innovation in multiple areas of interest, including (but not limited to):
- Fields of research – atmospheric, biological, geoscience, oceanographic
- Techniques for collecting and analysing samples across all fields of research
- Techniques for mapping the sea floor, sub-surface, geology, benthic habitat and shipwrecks
- Instrumentation
- Autonomous technology
- Mapping and collecting samples near navigational hazards (remote shallow waters, remote islands, reefs etc)
- Data quality processes and data tools development
To equip TIAG with the appropriate skills and knowledge, the following criteria are used to select people for invitation as members:
- a track record in a discipline relevant to the MNF
- experience in a research institution or industry focused on innovative techniques and engineering solutions
- a broad understanding of marine and atmospheric scientific domains including current and future trends
- capacity to critically assess innovative techniques and engineering solutions that intersect with scientific research from blue-water platforms
- ability to communicate effectively with a range of research and industry stakeholders
- broad understanding of national science drivers and policy direction
- experience undertaking research on a blue-water research vessel.
It is intended that the collective membership will deliver these criteria – it is not expected that each member demonstrate all criteria.
MNF seeks to ensure the membership reflects a diversity of domains and sectors, age, gender, cultural background, and regional representation and these considerations inform appointment of members.
5. Substitute Member
In the case one or more members cannot participate in a meeting, the TIAG Chair, in consultation with the MNF Director, may seek a substitute for the meeting if it is felt that a member’s absence will compromise the ability for robust, informed and objective discussions.
6. Early Career Researcher
To assist with the development of the next generation of the Australian marine science and technology community, the MNF will seek to appoint up to two Early Career Researchers (ECR) as TIAG members to attend meetings and contribute to discussions.
To be eligible for appointment, an ECR candidate should ideally have less than 10 years’ experience since PhD confirmation and currently be funded in an Australian postdoctoral position such as a Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) or Ocean Sciences (OCE) Postdoctoral fellow or equivalent.
Appointed ECRs will be allocated a mentor from within the TIAG membership.
7. Terms of Appointment
Members will be invited by the MNF to join the TIAG - and have their term extended or ended - by an exchange of letters. TIAG members can resign by letter to the MNF Director.
Initial appointment of members to the TIAG will be for a term of up to three years, with the option of re-appointment for an additional term at the discretion of the MNF. Wherever possible, the replacement of TIAG members should be phased to maintain core knowledge and experience of processes within the TIAG.
8. Meetings
Meetings of the TIAG will be called by the MNF. The TIAG will meet virtually twice each year and more often at critical times. The MNF will facilitate the hosting of TIAG meetings online.
In the absence of the TIAG Chair, an alternative Chair will be nominated, otherwise the members present will nominate a member to chair the meeting.
9. Secretariat
Secretariat services for the TIAG will be provided by MNF.