Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

Coordinating strategic planning for European Astronomy

Periodic Report Summary 3 - ASTRONET (Coordinating strategic planning for European Astronomy)

Project Context and Objectives:
ASTRONET’s goal is to establish a strategic planning mechanism for all of European astronomy for the next 5-25 years. It covers scientific topics from the Sun and Solar System to the limits of the observable Universe and research tools from the radio domain to gamma-rays and particles, on the ground as well as in space; but also theory and computing, outreach, training and recruitment of the vital human resources. And, importantly, ASTRONET aims to engage all astronomical com-munities and relevant funding agencies on the new map of Europe.

The objectives are (1) to establish a permanent network and self-sustainable structure for the planning and coordination in European astronomy; (2) to narrow the scientific and technology gaps between the European countries, especially those in Central and Easter Europe; (3) to update and help to implement the ASTRONET Infrastructure Roadmap, thus ensuring the construction of the new facilities that are needed to keep Europe at the forefront of scientific knowledge and at the same time optimize existing programs in scientific as well as financial terms – not only joint facilities such as those of ESO or ESA, but a range of national resources as well; (4) to establish other joint activities.

Project Results:
The work performed during this last period (extended by 6 months through an amendment to the Grant Agreement) made it possible to meet the main objectives of ASTRONET. The key results are :

- The networking activities with European and global infrastructure projects on the ground and in space (E-ELT, SKA, ESA missions, CTA etc.) and the relevant EU-funded initiatives (OPTICON, RadioNet, ASPERA, etc.), as well as the scientific community have been rein-forced.

- The setting up of a self-sustainable structure for the planning and coordination in European astronomy is well advanced. So far 16 partners have signed a Letter of Intent. This gives good confidence that the final steps can be completed in the coming months.

- The integration of Central and East European Countries is making progress. Forum meet-ings on Astronomy were held in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia and concluded on the need for internal reforms that would facilitate joining the major European research organizations.

- The mid-term update of the ASTRONET Science Vision and Roadmap has been completed and a strategy for the full revision of the roadmap has been delivered.

- The large infrastructure projects on the Roadmap have been advancing significantly since the initial Roadmap was published in 2008. ASTRONET is addressing issues that are com-mon to all infrastructure projects, and is establishing a forum in cooperation with the AS-TERICS project. In addition, further discussions on the organization of Radio Astronomy in Europe for the SKA are taking place.

- The European Large Telescope Strategic Review Committee has delivered a strategy to op-timize the use of 8-10m class telescopes by the European astronomical community.

- Major steps are taken towards a sustainable Virtual Observatory (VO). Data and software related issues are at the core of the recently funded ASTERICS proposal, which contributes to the actual implementation of the recommendations formulated for the Virtual Observa-tory (VO) and the Astrophysical Software Laboratory (ASL).

- Recommendations on a database for Laboratory Astrophysics have been formulated, and ASTRONET supported bottom-up actions to implement the recommendations of the Euro-pean Task Force for Laboratory Astrophysics (ETFLA).

- The optimisation of optical-IR 2-4m telescopes has made significant progress, in particular towards a transition to a more specialized set of scientific instrumentation. For radio tele-scopes the expert committee (ERTRC) finalized its work and delivered its final report on European radio astronomy up to and beyond 2025.

Potential Impact:
Astronomy is a rich and diverse field of research drawing from many branches of science: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, observations obtained in space and on the ground by sophisticated facilities and instruments, all ranges of computers, basic theory, detailed modelling, accurate laboratory measurements, comprehensive and user-friendly data bases, etc. This diversity, as well as the scope and complexity of many of the projects led by the astronomical community demand a high degree of coordination and cooperation, not only within national entities, but also at the European level.
The final outcome of ASTRONET is the implementation of a strategic planning mechanism for the whole of European astronomy to be used during the next 25 years. ASTRONET has started to set up a self-sustainable structure which should enhance cooperation and strengthen the overall ability of European astronomy to compete on the world stage.
A better coordination of all European resources in the field will increase the already remarkable scientific contribution of the Union to world astronomy. Many crucial questions about the nature of our universe and the mechanisms therein remain to be answered. The concepts, techniques and methods used in the field can lead to industrial and technological applications. Finally, astronomy is a powerful tool to attract the general public and in particular young members of society towards science and its economic and social benefits

List of Websites:
www.astronet-eu.org