National Committee for Geographical Sciences

The committee focuses on the science of place, space, and the environment. Specialisations include geomorphology, climatology, hydrology, biogeography, and economic, social, urban, and population geography.   

The National Committee for Geographical Sciences aims to:  

• provide strategic evidence-based advice on geographical sciences to the Academy and other bodies as required   
• support scientific literacy and excellence in geographical sciences by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
• liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities   
• promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy  

Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future

Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future was published by the National Committee for Geographical Sciences in 2018 and presents a detailed report on geography as a discipline in Australia. It provides a unified vision for Australian geography over the next decade. The plan provides a framework for engaging research, teaching and industry that aligns strategically with contemporary social, economic and environmental challenges of our region.

Learn more about Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future.

Reports and activities

• Submission—Consultation on the National Environmental Science Program, July 2019
• Submission - Inquiry into the management and use of Commonwealth environmental water, April 2018
• Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, March 2018 (Cameron Allen, Graciela Metternicht, Thomas Wiedmann) (PDF, 280KB)

• Report: Strategic Directions for the Geographical Sciences
• Sustainable Futures—Teaching and learning: A case study approach, edited by Margaret Robertson
• International Year of Global Understanding 2016

Related groups and organisations

• International Geographical Union (IGU)
• Academy of Social Sciences in Australia
• Australian Geography Teachers’ Association
• Geography Victoria
• Institute of Australian Geographers
• Royal Geographical Society of Queensland
• Royal Geographical Society of South Australia 

Members

Chair

• Professor Kirsten Martinus, 2026-2029

Deputy Chair

• Associate Professor Thomas Sigler, 2026-2028

Ordinary Members

• Dr Kirsten Maclean, 2026-2028
• Professor Emerita Elaine Stratford, 2026-2028

Observers

• Anna Lintern, Observer for EMCR Forum Executive, 2025-2026

Ex-officio

• Associate Professor Brian Cook, Ex-officio representing Institute of Australian Geographers, 2026-2028
• Mr Steve Hawkins, Ex-officio representing Australian Geography Teachers' Association, 2026-
• Professor Emeritus Iain Hay, Ex-officio representing Royal Geographical Society of SA Inc, 2026-
• Professor Matthew Kearnes, Ex-officio representing Geographical Society of New South Wales, 2024-
• Professor Pauline McGuirk, Ex-officio representing Academy of the Social Sciences Australia, 2026-
• Professor Phil McManus, Ex-officio representing International Geographic Union (IGU), 2015-
• Giselle Pickering, Ex-officio representing Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, 2026-
• Professor Ian Rutherfurd, Ex-officio representing Geography Victoria, 2026-