An Update on Astronet Science Vision and Infrastructure Roadmap for European Astronomy
Astronet (the consortium of European funding agencies, established for the purpose of providing advice on long-term planning and development of European Astronomy) continues to develop a new Science Vision & Infrastructure Roadmap, in a single document with an outlook for the next 20 years. A delivery date to European funding agencies of mid-2021 is anticipated. Astronet is committed to engaging fully with the wider physics community to ensure a common vision where appropriate and mutually beneficial.
The Science Vision and Infrastructure Roadmap revolves around the research themes listed below:
- Origin and evolution of the Universe
- Formation and evolution of Galaxies
- Formation and evolution of Stars
- Formation and evolution of Planetary Systems
- Understanding the Solar System and conditions for Life
but will include cross-cutting aspects such as computing and training and sustainability.
After some delays due to the global pandemic, the first drafts of the chapters for the document are now available on the Astronet website (see below) from the Panels asked to draft them, for the community to view and comment on. For the Science Vision & Roadmap to be truly representative it is essential we take account of the views of as much of the European astronomy and space science community as possible – so your input is really valued by the Panels and Astronet.
Please leave any comments, feedback or questions on the site (https://www.astronet-eu.org/forums/roadmap-community-consultation) by 1 May.
It is intended that a virtual “town Hall” style event, with the support of the European Astronomical Society will be held in late Spring 2021, where an update on the project and responses to the feedback will be provided. (See update below)
Astronet is a consortium of European funding agencies, established for the purpose of providing advice on long-term planning and development of European Astronomy. Setup in 2005, its members include most of the major European astronomy nations, with associated links to the European Space Agency, the European Southern Observatory, APPEC and the European Astronomical Society, among others. The purpose of the Science Vision and Infrastructure Roadmap is to deliver a coordinated vision covering the entire breadth of astronomical research, from the origin and early development of the Universe to our own Solar System.
The first European Science Vision and Infrastructure Roadmap for Astronomy was created by Astronet, using EU funds, in 2007/08, and updated in 2013/14. Astronet is now producing a single document encompassing both the science vision and infrastructure roadmap with an outlook for the next 20 years.
Update May 2021:
As a next step in developing its science vision, Astronet is holding an open webinar to present current status and seek further advice from the European astronomical community via the European Astronomical Society (EAS). The webinar will include an overview of the process from the chair of the Astronet Board, with presentations from the panels who have been working on draft sections, and plenty of time for questions.
The aim is for further consultation in the next few weeks, followed by production of the report and delivery to the Astronet Board before the end of 2021.
Astronet is a consortium of European research funding bodies and national representatives purposed with developing a new science vision and roadmap, taking forward the pioneering and influential reports last updated around 2015. It includes as associates and observers ESA, ESO and the SKA and has close links to APPEC and the EAS.
The webinar is hosted by the EAS and will take place on 11 June, from 8h00 to 13h30 UTC (ie 9h-14:30h UK, 10h-15h30 CEST).
Registration is open now and you can complete this at https://unige.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xWzIduTfQ6i5AZKJVJ-RmQ
Please see the Astronet website for further information.
Contacts
Malcolm Booy – malcolm.booy@stfc.ukri.org
Kamalam Vanninathan – kamalam.vanninathan@stfc.ukri.org