Australia-Japan 45th anniversary dinner

Professor Tony Haymet was appointed as Australia’s Chief Scientist in January 2025. In this role, he will provide authoritative and independent evidence-based advice on whole-of-government science and technology priorities.

Professor Haymet is an experienced scientist and leader who has strengthened national and global research partnerships. He has a long history with Japan, first visiting in 1994 with the support of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) to deliver talks at Kyoto University. In October 2024 he lectured at Hiroshima University and held discussions with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).

Professor Schmidt is a Distinguished Professor of Astronomy at the Australian National University. His work includes many areas of astronomy, including supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, gravitational wave transients, exo-planets and metal-poor stars.

For his work on the accelerating universe, he shared the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics with Adam Riess and Saul Perlmutter.

Prof Schmidt is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the US National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society (London). In 1999 he became a fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Mr Sato is the Vice President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). He joined the company as an engineer in 1987 and has held many senior roles. These include work in the research and development of rocket engines, satellites and space transport. His current role in international relations, research and space education helps guide Japan's future in space exploration.

Dr Bobby Cerini is the Deputy Director and General Manager of Science and Learning at Questacon – Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. She leads and shapes the creative direction of exhibitions, programs and partnerships. With expertise leading STEM initiatives in diverse contexts, she is a member of the Executive Committee for ASPAC, the Asia Pacific network of science centres.