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ASTRONETCoordinating strategic planning for

European Astronomy

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ASTRONETContext

• Astronomy largely depends on big facilities • Co-operation has made European astronomy a leader in the field• Defending this position will require a new generation of infrastructures that are

feasible only at the European or even global level=> budgets & frame(s) to build and operate large-scale infrastructures ?• To convince our national authorities and other decision making bodies on our

needs, we have to build a European strategy in astronomy:– A global scientific vision of the future of European astronomy– A roadmap for the coordinated development of ground and space based infrastructures

for astronomy in Europe (incl. R&D and key technologies)• Develop durable procedures for cooperation and coordination btw agencies

ASTRONET is a tool to organize this European strategic planning

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ASTRONET partners (as of June 2005)

Participants

– INSU (France, Coord)

– BMBF (Germany)

– ESO (International)

– INAF (Italy)

– PPARC (UK)

– NOTSA (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden)

– MEC (Spain)

– NWO (NL)

Associates

– ESA (International)– MPG (Germany)

• >80% European astro • open to new participants

and/or associates• 1 vote/country

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ASTRONET Workpackages

1. Networking

2. A science vision for European astronomy

3. A roadmap for the development of infrastructures for European astronomy

4. Coordinated actions to strengthen AA in Europe

5. Consortium management

6. Consortium coordination

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WP 1 Networking (INAF)

Objectives establish a forum for regular consultations between national and international

funding agencies for European astronomy, including ESF and ERC integrate all qualified and interested partners in ASTRONET as full participants or

Associates; • establish a forum for regular consultations between ASTRONET and related

European networks, I3 consortia, and Design Study projects in astronomy and particle astrophysics as well as with EAS and EGU.

Tasks1.1 Systematic exchange of information between agencies; interactions with ESF and

ERC; link with EAS and EGU (INAF)1.2 Integration of new Participants and Associates (NOTSA)1.3 Link with the I3, DS and astroparticle physics (PPARC)1.4 Propositions on evolutions of ASTRONET (INSU)

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WP 2 : A science vision for European astronomy (ESO)

Objectives Census of European Astronomy Resources and Scientific Strategies(institutions, personal, training, financing, evaluation, access to

infrastructures) Construct a Science Vision for European Astronomy • Make recommendations for European astronomical development in the

world global context

Tasks2.1 Census of present European astronomical forces (ESO)2.2 European Science Vision for Astronomy (NWO)

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WP 2 : A science vision for European astronomy

How to build the Science Vision ?

• Scientific vision Working Group, including all ASTRONET partners + OPTICON and RADIONET representatives

• Inputs: Census (incl national strategies, cf EAS 2004) + thematic panels• Collect relevant existing thematic panels reports, launch new panels when

needed. Cosmic Vision is a major component• Close contact with WP3

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WP 3 : A roadmap for the development of infrastructure for European astronomy (PPARC)

Objectives Starting from the Scientific Vision, produce a plan for the development of

infrastructure for European Astronomy over the next 10-20 years: « the Roadmap » .

Engage stakeholders to develop an implementation plan for the Roadmap.

• Co-ordinate the implementation plan for the Roadmap internationally by

engaging with top level European and global bodies e.g. ESFRI & OECD GSF.

Tasks3.1 Produce a plan for the development of European astronomy over the next 10-20

years: « the Roadmap » (PPARC)3.2 Identify means to implement the Roadmap (INSU)

Includes: enabling technologies, development of multilateral facilities, mechanisms for collaboration especially beyond Europe, interactions with ESFRI and OECD GSF

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WP 3 : A roadmap for the development of infrastructure for European astronomy

How to build the Roadmap ?

Science vision as inputInput from advisory panels and Symposium

Possible panels

High energy astrophysics from space.Ultra-violet, optical & infrared astronomy from space.Ground based optical & infrared astronomyRadio & sub-millimetre astronomySolar astronomy.Survey astronomy Theory, computation Virtual Observatory Particle astrophysics• Education, training & outreach.

Panel members include I3 representativesTeam (Task leader, panel chairs, key participants from WP2) makes recommendations to the

Board

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WP4 : Coordinated actions to strengthen

Astronomy and Astrophysics in Europe (BMBF)

Objectives Status quo of research processing and funding in AA Identify formal, legal, administrative barriers to cooperation / joint programs Develop a common action plan for future cooperation Develop common evaluation procedures, rules of good practice, standards for the

implementation, management, and administration of future medium or large size projects or infrastructures in astrophysics

• Create a template for a call for proposals on a coordinated research activity• Launch a call for proposal

Tasks4.1 Investigation of formal and legal barriers for a European wide cooperation (BMBF)4.2 Establishment of common evaluation procedures and standards for projects and

infrastructures (BMBF)4.3 Test implementation of a coordinated European research programme (NWO)

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WP5/6 : Consortium Management and Coordination (CNRS/INSU)

5.1 Project management5.2 Implementation and maintenance of communication tools5.3 Organisation of meetings

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Key deliverables and milestones• T0 + 1 :Kick-off• T0 + 6: Census of existing national surveys (organization, resources, scientific

priorities)• T0 + 9: Start of a Web-based discussion forum on the future scientific challenges• TO + 12: Introduction of new participants • T0 +15: Symposium on “the scientific challenges of space & ground-based

astronomy in the next 20 years” • T0 + 18: Science Vision for European Astronomy: final Report, Vision &

Recommendations• T0 + 22 : Census on national research processing and funding• T0 + 30 : Roadmap Review Symposium• T0 + 30: Workshop on future evolution of Astronet• T0 + 34 : White book on the implementation of common structure & standards• T0 + 34 : Launch of a test call for proposals for targeted coordinated pan

European activity• T0 + 36 : Roadmap for infrastructures

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ASTRONET organisation

• ASTRONET Board : – Reviews the project; takes strategic decisions, nominates new

members + experts– Composition: 1 rep./participant + 1 rep.(without vote)/associate – open sessions with I3, DS, and ASPERA if selected

• ASTRONET Executive Committee : – Implement the program following Board decisions; reports to the

Board– Composition: Project coordinator, Project manager, WP leaders,

Board chairperson

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ASTRONET status

• ASTRONET has been « recommended for funding »• 399 P.month; 2.5 Meuros• End of negociation phasis• Start date : TBD (Sept. 1st ?)• ASTRONET duration: 4 years

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