With the generous support of the late Lady White, MBBS and the late Sir Frederick White, FAA, FRS, the Academy conducts a series of research conferences in the physical and mathematical sciences related to the solid Earth, the terrestrial oceans, the Earth's atmosphere, solar-terrestrial science, space sciences and astronomy.

The purpose of the conference is:

• to advance at the most fundamental level the understanding of the subject;
• to endeavour to introduce to Australian research new aspects or directions; and
• to encourage participation of overseas scientists.

Recent topics include:

• The Magellanic System;
• Mastering the data explosion in the Earth and environmental sciences;
• Plantetary timescales: Stardust to continents;
• AGN variability across the electro-magnetic spectrum; and
• Radio frequency interference mitigation strategies.

One conference is funded every other year. Conferences are usually of about two days duration with a membership of 20-30. A sum of up to $10,000 (GST exempt) is allocated. The supplementation of this sum is encouraged. The Academy's Dome is available free of charge. There is a preference for holding the conference in the Dome unless the location proves unsuitable.

Organisers are asked to make an undertaking on acceptance of an offer of funding from the Academy to call their conference an Elizabeth and Frederick White Conference and to advertise it as such.

The initiative, financial responsibility and detailed arrangements for the conferences are the responsibility of the organisers and scientific society/organisation which acts as a joint sponsor with the Academy.

Societies and organisers are invited to submit a one page expression of intent to hold a conference setting out the aims, objectives and timeliness of the program; evidence of support from the relevant scientific society should also be provided. Successful proposers will be invited to provide a detailed proposal for further assessment.

For more information contact ac@science.org.au