ASTRONET-2

Full Name
Coordinating strategic planning for European Astronomy

Start Date:
2011-01-01

End Date:
2014-12-31

Duration:
48 months

Grant Agreement No. / Project Reference No.
262162

Project Website
ASTRONET

Abstract
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 communities and relevant funding agencies on the new map of Europe.

ASTRONET has been supported by the EC since 2005 as an ERA-NET. Despite the formidable challenges of establishing such a comprehensive plan, ASTRONET reached that goal with the publication of its Infrastructure Roadmap in November 2008. Building on this remarkable achievement, the present project will proceed to the implementation stage, a very significant new step towards the coordination and integration of European resources in the field.

The objectives are (1) to establish a permanent mechanism for planning and coordination in European astronomy; (2) to follow-up and implement the 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 optimise existing programmes 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; (3) to narrow the scientific and – in particular - technology gaps between
the European countries; (4) establish a regularly updated data base with key information on the financial and human resources available to astronomy in all European countries, as well as the structure and governance of astronomical research in each country.

DESY Participation (PT-DESY)
WP1: Networking
WP2: Self-sustainable coordination of European Astronomy
WP4: Follow-up of the roadmap - coordination actions
WP5: Follow-up of the roadmap - common actions

Contact at DESY
Franz-Josef. Zickgraf (at) DESY.de
Tel.: +49-40-8998-4896