Optical Infrared Coordination Network for Astronomy

We have developed a programme, with expenditure in simplifying technical aspects of proposal preparation, and with increased training support, focussed on new and currently isolated users. Uniquely in global astronomy, the WP will implement a central trans-national multi-observatory peer-review process, in order to ensure high-quality peer review, together with sensitive treatment of all proposals, to ensure projects are allocated to the highest quality appropriate technical facility. It will provide positive feedback where needed, with this feedback informing the training programme. As a complementary step, OPTICON will work with the strategic planning ERANET AstroNet to develop a strategic plan for the future viability and excellence of the infrastructures. Europe has many mid-sized telescopes, largely for historical reasons. This dilutes funding, and disperses users. A rationalisation, ensuring that the subset of the highest technical quality telescopes, equipped with a complementary suite of state of the art instruments, are funded fully, is both desirable and necessary. A preliminary step is to migrate under-resourced users onto the best facilities. The access and training work (WP7 and WP12) addresses that. The other step is to develop a rational and viable optimisation strategy, taking into account the needs of funding agencies and the whole (potential) user community. OPTICON will work with AstroNet to deliver that vision as a reality.

The 2012B call is now closed as of 1200 UT 29 February 2012: 2012B call details page.