Project description
Preparing the next generation of multidisciplinary astrophysicists
In the quiet region of Teruel, Spain, advanced telescopes scan the skies, data centres process cosmic images and outreach programmes bring the universe closer to the public. Led by the Centro de Estudios de Fisica del Cosmos de Aragon, this ecosystem will provide researchers with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the cosmos. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the J-TRAIN project will offer the chance to four postdoctoral researchers to access three cutting-edge facilities: Observatorio Astrofisico de Javalambre, the UPAD data centre and Galactica’s outreach hub. Beyond conducting groundbreaking research, participants will develop skills in project management, research ethics, mental health and more. J-TRAIN will shape tomorrow’s leaders ready to drive innovation in astrophysics and other sectors.
Objective
The Javalambre TRAINing programme (J-TRAIN) is a COFUND initiative that will attract four outstanding postdoctoral researchers on 48-month contracts following an open, merit-based selection process to the Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón (CEFCA) in Teruel (Spain), one of the most sparsely populated areas of Europe. CEFCA offers an end-to-end astrophysics ecosystem, from data acquisition to societal outreach, anchored in its flagship large-area photometric surveys J-PAS, J-PLUS and J-VAR and its contribution to the space mission ARRAKIHS. Fellows will have access to three facilities: Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre (OAJ), with 2.5-m and 0.8-m panoramic telescopes optimised for large photometric surveys; UPAD, a dedicated data centre that reduces and publishes OAJ images following FAIR principles; and Galáctica, a outreach hub with museum, 80-cm telescope and 40-cm solar telescope that brings research to schools and the public.
J-TRAIN has two goals: to deliver excellent science and to equip fellows with the research, multidisciplinary and intersectoral skills expected of future leaders. Each researcher will follow a personalised training plan under dual supervision, combining CEFCA mentorship with international guidance. Structured training covers project management, student supervision, research ethics, gender equality, mental health and outreach. Mobility is central: fellows rotate across OAJ (observing and engineering), UPAD (pipelines, open science) and Galáctica (public engagement), undertake two two-months international secondments, and gain industrial insight through visits to Satlantis (aerospace instrumentation), Eurecat (applied data solutions) and AstroÁndalus (astrotourism). By integrating frontier research with transferable-skill development and cross-sectoral exposure, J-TRAIN will forge tomorrow’s leaders in astrophysics and allied sectors, supplying high-level expertise to the science and technology job market.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-Cofund-P - HORIZON TMA MSCA Cofund Postdoctoral programme
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-COFUND-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
44001 Teruel
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.