What a way to kick off a new year! We are delighted to welcome Dr Les Trudzik as the newly appointed Chair of the TERN Advisory Board. Dr Trudzik brings more than three decades of experience across research, innovation, governance, and national infrastructure, including seventeen years on the Bioplatforms Australia Board, ten as Chair. His deep knowledge of NCRIS, his commitment to collaborative leadership and his strategic insight make him an ideal guide as TERN enters its next phase. We are thrilled to have him ‘on board’. Learn more here.
We also take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to Professor Hugh Possingham for his outstanding service as Advisory Board Chair over the past 5 years. Hugh’s leadership since he was appointed in late 2020 has strengthened TERN’s national profile, deepened our scientific partnerships and championed the essential role of environmental data in biodiversity conservation. His contribution has been enormous and we are deeply grateful.
Across TERN, there is a genuine sense of momentum: in our science, our infrastructure, and the wonderful people who make it all happen. Here is a snapshot of what we are celebrating this month.
Celebrating women in science
February brought International Day of Women and Girls in Science and TERN was proud to join the global conversation. Our work is made richer every day by the leadership, expertise and creativity of women scientists, field technicians, data specialists and students across our community. Their achievements are a constant reminder that diversity is not just good ethics, it is good science. See here for the Australian Government Department of Education story featuring the work of Jo Owens at the TERN Fletcherview SuperSite and CZO.
A milestone for national research infrastructure
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of NCRIS, and we think that deserves a proper celebration. Since its establishment in 2006, NCRIS has transformed Australia’s research capability, enabling world-class science through coordinated, sustained investment in national research infrastructure. Although TERN’s own NCRIS funding commenced in 2009, we are proud to be part of this remarkable national legacy. A hybrid symposium will be held in Canberra on 30 June 2026 to mark the occasion and look ahead to the next chapter of research infrastructure in Australia. We hope to see many of you there so watch for further details!
Learning from our global peers
As a member of the Global Ecosystem Research Infrastructure (GERI), it is always energising to compare notes with ecosystem observatory networks around the world. For example, NEON’s recent update from the United States highlighted themes that resonate strongly with TERN’s own direction: stewardship of national infrastructure, transparency in how data products evolve and investment in modernising sensors, workflows, and data pipelines. In the year ahead, we will continue strengthening our data architecture, enhancing sensor resilience and ensuring our infrastructure stays fit for purpose in a rapidly changing scientific landscape. Essentially, we are making sure our data keeps getting better. And that is something worth getting excited about.
As 2026 unfolds, TERN remains committed to delivering the environmental intelligence Australia needs: openly, collaboratively and with scientific integrity at the core. There is much to look forward to! Happy reading.
Beryl