2014-2017 Strategic Plan Instituto de Astrofísica de
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2014-2017 Strategic Plan Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía Editors: José M. Vílchez, Olga Muñoz and Martín A. Guerrero Close collaborators: Antxon Alberdi, Emilio Alfaro, Guillem Anglada, Carlos Barceló, Txitxo Benítez, Fernando Bordons, Alberto Castro-Tirado, Xuan Fang, Emilio José García, José Francisco Gómez, José Miguel Ibáñez, Luisa Lara, Antonio Carlos López, Manuel López Puertas, Susana Martín, Josefa Masegosa, Enrique Pérez, Julio Rodríguez, Rainer Schödel, Miguel Ángel Valverde y Lourdes VerdesMontenegro. And important contributions by: Pedro Amado, Rosa de Castro, Bernd Funke, Francisco Gordillo, Isabel Márquez y Juan Carlos Suárez. Our acknowledgment to Isabel Guerrero for her careful revision of the style and language. 1. General Information 1.1 Identification Data of the Institute All data loaded from application Plan de Actuación. 1.2 Historical Background 1.2.1 Foundational Objectives The chief aim of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA) is to research in Astronomy and Astrophysics. This research is undertaken from a multidisciplinary point of view including astronomical observations, theoretical and computational studies, and technological and instrumental activities. 1.2.2 Extended Historical Background The foundation of the IAA in 1975, as a center of the CSIC, concurred with the onset of the Spanish Astronomy. The rapid growth of the Spanish Astronomy at that time was motivated by the increasing interest of European countries with a long tradition in Astronomy to install their new telescopes in Spain. Existing and new UK, German, Sweden, and Netherlands telescopes were then based on Spanish sites with superb conditions for astronomical observations. Since then, the IAA is one of the Spanish reference centers for Astrophysics research. IAA has been active in the field of astronomical observations using space probes, satellites, and major worldwide ground-­‐based astronomical facilities. Its main scientific research covers major areas of Astrophysics ranging from solar system, stellar physics, star formation and interstellar medium physics, extragalactic astronomy, and cosmology. Thus the IAA research program covers the four fundamental questions defined in the Astronet Science Vision for European Astronomy (http://www.astronet-­‐eu.org/?lang=en) where significant advances are expected. Since the IAA started operations, the design, technical study, and construction of instrumentation for space probes and satellites have been one of its major technological activities. In recent years, the design and integration of instrumentation for large ground-­‐based telescopes has become a major priority and activity at the IAA to seize the new opportunities provided by Calar Alto and GTC. IAA operates two observatories: The Observatorio de Sierra Nevada (OSN) which is located in Loma de Dílar (Sierra Nevada, Granada) and started operations in 1981. Since 2003, the IAA is responsible for the scientific operation of the German-­‐Spanish Astronomical Center (CAHA) in Calar Alto (Almería) jointly with the MPIA (Heidelberg, Germany). CAHA is an ICTS and represents the largest observatory in mainland Europe. IAA astronomers carry out their observational research using forefront facilities and instrumentation, among which is CAHA, GTC and the rest of telescopes in La Palma, ALMA, ESO VLT and La Silla telescopes, and space-­‐borne telescopes and satellite missions. IAA works in intimate partnership with the University of Granada (UGR) within our post-­‐graduate students program. Students are registered in PhD and Masters programs of the UGR, and also a significant number of IAA staff is involved in teaching activities at the university. 1.3 Location All data loaded from application Plan de Actuación. 1.4 Structure and Management The IAA management structure is summarized as follows. The IAA has a Director, a Manager, a Science Vicedirector, and a Technology Vicedirector. The scientific staff is distributed among four research Departments: – Extragalactic Astronomy (DAE – Departamento de Astronomía Extragaláctica) – Stellar Physics (DFS – Departamento de Física Estelar) – Radioastronomy and Galactic Structure (DREG – Departamento de Radioastronomía y Estructura Galáctica) – Solar System (DSS – Departamento del Sistema Solar). There are also a number of Service Units: – Administration Services (SA – Servicios de Administración) – Computing Center (CC – Centro de Cálculo) – Unit for Instrumental Development and Technological Support (UDIT – Unidad de Desarrollo Instrumental y Apoyo Tecnológico) – Sierra Nevada Observatory (OSN – Observatorio de Sierra Nevada) – Outreach and Communications (UDC – Unidad de Divulgación y Comunicación). The IAA has three internal advisory committees. The “Comité de Dirección” is held on a weekly basis by the Director, Vicedirectors, and Manager to coordinate their activity. The “Junta de Instituto” is a consulting council formed by the Director, Manager, Vice-­‐directors, Department chairs, and four additional IAA members who represent the personnel. It meets monthly. The “Claustro Científico” is a scientific assembly including all staff scientists. We envisage the creation of an external Scientific Advisory Committee to review the IAA activity and to provide advice for future actions. Moreover, there is also a number of ad hoc committees such as the ones for external action and visibility of IAA, and for education and academics. Besides the IAA headquarters in Granada, the IAA operates two observatories, namely, the OSN in Granada, which is one of our service units, and the Spanish-­‐ German Astronomical Center at Calar Alto, Almería (CAHA), whose operation is shared at 50% with the MPIA in Heidelberg, (Germany), with a director named according to the agreement signed between the Max-­‐Planck Gesellschaft and the CSIC. 1.5 Research Groups All data loaded from application Plan de Actuación. 1.6 Services Administration Services [010] Name of the Service: Administration Services (SA – Unidad de Servicios de Administración) [020] Service Category: Management [030] Scientific Responsible: Director (Prof. José M. Vílchez) [040] Technical Responsible: Fernando Bordons Mesonero [050] Service Description: The SA unit provides global administration to human and goods resources of the IAA. It supplies the IAA with an effective management support for the increasing research activity. To achieve this scope, the SA unit is aided by computing tools used by a well-­‐trained and highly organized team. Presently, the SA unit staff consists of one general manager and 11 people taking care of different responsibilities and duties: payments (1), contracts (2), human resources (1), management of research and technological projects (3), library services (2), and building maintenance and services (3). The SA of the IAA envisages a long-­‐term plan to redesign its structure in order to reinforce three areas: administration, finances, and scientific projects. [060] Service Webpage: [070] Service Realm: Internal [080] Does the Service have ISO Certificates?: NO [090] Is the service included in the CSIC network of scientific-­technical Services?: [100] Internal Revenue 2010-­2012 (k euros): not applicable [110] Revenue to Other CSIC Centers CSIC 2010-­2012 (k euros): -­-­ [120] Revenue to Universities 2010-­2012 (k euros): -­-­ [130] Revenue to Private Companies 2010-­2012 (k euros): -­-­ [140] Number of groups users of the Service: All IAA scientific groups and service units. [150] Staff Trained in the use of equipment 2010-­2012: 14 people Computer Center [010] Name of the Service: Computer Center (CC) [020] Service Category: Technical Maintenance [030] Scientific Responsible: Science vice-­‐director (Dr. Martín A. Guerrero) [040] Technical Responsable: José Ruedas [050] Service Description: The Computer Center (CC – Centro de Cálculo) is responsible for the service and management of all computer and communication services of the IAA. These are essential services for the research projects, management services, and collaboration with enterprises. The CC is also in charge of providing support to all IAA computer users. In the last years, the technological and scientific challenges afforded by the CC have allowed the IAA to consolidate its communication and scientific computing facilities. Two important milestones have been achieved during the past PA 2008-­‐2011: -­‐ The IAA is now an important node of RedIRIS-­‐NOVA, the fast, high capacity optical fiber network connecting all regional communication networks and most important research center in Spain with international academic networks. The IAA CC provides communication services to all CSIC centers in Granada and to the Sierra Nevada Observatory. -­‐ Following the deployment of a distributed computing infrastructure by CSIC, the so-­‐called GRID-­‐CSIC, the IAA CC has turned it into a supercomputing facility by boosting the performance and throughput of this infrastructure. This is aimed to facilitate the accomplishment of scientific projects requiring computing resources beyond the capabilities of a single user or research group to IAA and CSIC scientists, but it is also offered to the Spanish and International scientific communities. One of the objectives of this infrastructure is Data mining (the analysis step of the "Knowledge Discovery in Databases" process, or KDD), an interdisciplinary subfield of computer science involving the computational process of discovering patterns in large data sets using methods in between artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics, and database systems. The CC is a critical unit in order to grant the flawless function of the technical resources demanded by the IAA research activity and its technological projects. To assume the CC commitments with a high quality level, the CC unit urgently requires the addition of new support personnel and the promotion of the current staff to permanent positions. [060] Service Webpage: [070] Service Realm: Both internal and external [080] Does the Service have ISO Certificates?: NO [090] Is the service included in the CSIC network of scientific-­technical Services?: No [100] Internal Revenue 2010-­2012 (k euros): not applicable [110] Revenue to Other CSIC Centres 2010-­2012 (k euros): -­-­ [120] Revenue to Universities 2010-­2012 (k euros): -­-­ [130] Revenue to Private Companies 2010-­2012 (k euros): -­-­ [140] Number of groups users of the Service: All IAA scientific groups and service units. [150] Staff trained in the use of equipment 2010-­2012: Instrumental and Technological Development Unit [010] Name of the Service: Instrumental and Technological Development Unit (UDIT – Unidad de Desarrollo Instrumental y Tecnológico) [020] Service Category: Technological [030] Scientific Responsible: Technology vice-­‐director (Dr. Olga Muñoz) [040] Technical Responsible: José Miguel Ibáñez [050] Service Description: The Instrumental and Technological Development Unit (UDIT – Unidad de Desarrollo Instrumental y Tecnológico) is in operation at the IAA since its foundation in 1975. State-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art instruments designed and built at the UDIT for balloon and terrestrial rocket payloads in early times and nowadays for both space missions and ground-­‐based observatories have put the IAA on the map as a reference center for technological-­‐challenging research projects. Technical production at the UDIT can be split into two major lines: -­‐ Analysis, design, integration and verification of astronomical instruments for interplanetary scientific missions. -­‐ Analysis, design, integration and verification of astronomical instruments for ground-­‐based telescopes at the IAA observatories and other telescopes. The UDIT staff is composed of highly qualified engineers whose expertise covers four main technological branches: A. Electronics: digital, analog electronics, control and processing codes design for FPGAs, power control systems, and quality control. B. Software: control software for telescopes and astronomical instrumentation, astronomical data archiving and processing, maintenance of equipment in astronomical observatories. C. Mechanics: high performance mechanical structures, opto-­‐mechanics, high accuracy positioners, thermal analysis. D. Optics: design, assembly and verification of optical and infrared astronomical instrumentation, maintenance and calibration of astronomical optical instrumentation. We provide below an overview of the research projects that demand or have demanded at different levels the involvement of the IAA-­‐UDIT: Space Missions (alphabetical order): -­‐ BEpi Colombo Laser Altimeter (BELA) on board Bepi Colombo, target Mercury (under development). -­‐ Exoplanet Characterization Observatory (ECHO). Space Observatory, target, exo-­‐planets. (ESA Cosmic Vision review process). -­‐ Ganymede Laser Altimeter (GALA) y Jovis, Amorum ac Natorum (Janus) onboard (ESA) JUICE. Target: Jupiter & Icy moons, (under development). -­‐ GIADA & OSIRIS onboard Rosetta, target: comet Churyumov-­‐Gerasimenko, (operational). -­‐ Imaging Magnetograph eXperiment (IMAX) onboard SUNRISE (stratospheric balloon, target Sun) (operational). -­‐ Marco Polo Narrow Angle Camera (MANAC) y Marco Polo Visible Near Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (MARIS) onboard Marco Polo-­‐R, target: Near Earth Asteroid (ESA Cosmic Vision review process). -­‐ Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery (NOMAD) on board (ESA) ExoMars, target: Mars (under development). -­‐ Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI) on board (ESA) Solar Orbiter (Space Observatory); target: Sun. (under development). -­‐ PLanetAry Transits and Oscillations of stars (PLATO), an ESA M3 candidate. Ground Based Instrumentation (alphabetical order): -­‐ COsmic DUst LABoratory (CODULAB) located at the IAA-­‐UDIT (Operational). -­‐ Calar Alto high-­‐Resolution search for M dwarfs with Exoearths with Near-­‐ infrared and optical Echelle Spectrographs (CARMENES). Observatorio de Calar Alto. (Under development) -­‐ Multi-­‐Espectrógrafo en GTC de Alta Resolución para Astronomía (MEGARA). Gran telescopio Canario (GRANTECAN). (Under development) -­‐ PAnoramic Near-­‐Infrared Camera (PANIC). Observatorio de Calar Alto. (under development). -­‐ GRAnada Sprite Spectrograph and Polarimeter (GRASSP), installed at the Observatorio de Calar Alto; in operation since May 2013. During the time-­‐lapse from 2008 to 2011, the development of the above projects has resulted in 143 internal and external technical reports for the consortia. Apart from its involvement in the mentioned strategic projects of the IAA, the UDIT also gives and will give maintenance support to the OSN and CAHA observatories. [060] Webpage of the Service: Under development at www-­‐udit.iaa.es [070] Service Realm: Both internal and external [080] Does the Service have ISO Certificates?: [090] Is the service included in the CSIC network of scientific-­technical Services?: Yes, “Optical Engineering Service”. [100] Internal Revenue 2010-­2012 (k euros): not applicable [110] Revenue to Other CSIC Centres 2010-­2012 (k euros): [120] Revenue to Universities 2010-­2012 (k euros): [130] Facturación a Empresas 2010-­2012 (k euros): -­‐ [140] Number of Groups which are users of the Service: Six IAA Research Groups. [150] Staff Trained in the use of equipment 2010-­2012: 6 Sierra Nevada Observatory [010] Service Name: Sierra Nevada Obsrvatory (OSN – Observatorio de Sierra Nevada) [020] Service Category: Scientific [030] Scientific Responsible: Dr. Susana Martín Ruiz [040] Technical Responsible: Luis Pedro Costillo Iciarra [050] Service Description: The OSN is a high mountain observatory located at Loma de Dilar (2896m altitude) in the Sierra Nevada National Park (Granada). It consists of a main building which hosts two Nasmyth optical telescopes of 90-­‐cm and 1.50-­‐m diameter each (hereafter T90 and T150). The astronomical instruments attached to those telescopes consist of a Strömgren-­‐Crawford six-­‐channel spectrophotometer, a 2048x2048 CCD camera, and Albireo: a low-­‐resolution optical spectrograph. The astronomical observations carried out at OSN respond to proposals submitted by the different groups of the IAA, although the number of observing requests of external collaborators is growing with time. In addition to the typical visitor and service observing modes, the OSN offers the possibility to carry out observations in remote mode. Beside the main telescopes, there are secondary astronomical facilities carrying out observations for specific projects: the 60-­‐cm IR semi-­‐automated telescope (T60) for early follow-­‐up of gamma-­‐ray bust (GRB), the 35-­‐cm telescope (T35) for the observation of variable stars, and SATI (Spectral Airglow Temperature Imager), a Fabry-­‐Perot spectrometer dedicated to the study of the high layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. Moreover, two seeing-­‐monitors take continuously dome and open-­‐sky measurements in order to characterize the sky of Sierra Nevada. The most relevant scientific results of the observations are published in international journals: in average 20 articles per year have been published in the 2008 – 2011 period using OSN observations. Due to the size of their telescopes, the OSN is especially suited for projects requiring a prompt response (Target of Opportunity) and/or monitoring observations during long periods of time. OSN observations are to be used frequently by our PhD students to support their work. The OSN does not only contribute to the scientific production of the IAA and to the formation of its students, but it also participates in multiple outreach activities. It must be particularly emphasized the guided visits, public observations, and talks organized at OSN every summer since 2006. [060] Service Webpage: http://www.osn.iaa.es [070] Service Realm: Both internal and external [080] Does the Service have ISO Certificates?: No [090] Is the service included in the CSIC network of scientific-­technical Services?: No. [100] Internal Revenue 2010-­2012 (k euros): not applicable [110] Revenue to Other CSIC Centres 2010-­2012 (k euros): 0.4 [120] Revenue to Universities 2010-­2012 (k euros): 0.5 [130] Revenue to Private Companies 2010-­2012 (k euros): [140] Number of Groups which are users of the Service: Most groups of the IAA take advantage of the observing opportunity at OSN. Other groups from Spanish universities also make use of these facilities. [150] Staff Trained in the use of equipment 2010-­2012: The OSN staff consists of 7 support astronomers and engineers that are constantly trained. Communication, Education and Public Outreach Unit [010] Name of the Service: Communication, Education and Public Outreach (UCC – Unidad de Comunicación Científica) [020] Servicio Category: Special [030] Scientific Responsible: Emilio José García Gómez-­‐Caro [040] Technical Responsible: Silbia López de Lacalle [050] Service Description: Public outreach has a long tradition at the IAA, since 1995, although the communication office was not officially established as a Unit until 2008. Since then, the number of activities has steadily grown and their format diversified. The IAA, through its UCC, has been recognized with numerous national awards in science popularization. Currently, the unit is a member of the Scientific Culture Units Network (COMCIRED – http://comcired.fecyt.es/) coordinated by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT). The UCC works to provide citizens with a background on astronomy and science, offering activities not necessarily related to our research areas. Under such criteria, the UCC has built an important collection of articles, audiovisual pieces, exhibits, educational projects, conferences, and street activities. The three main lines of actions are: -­‐ Communication: make the IAA scientific and technological achievements reach the media through the preparation of press releases, replying information requests from the media, and managing the social networks. -­‐ Education: foster the interest for science at all educational levels by organizing school visits to the IAA headquarters and by coordinating the “PIIISA Project” (Proyecto de Iniciación a la Investigación de Innovación en Secundaria en Granada -­‐ http://www.piiisa.es), a multidisciplinary project which allows students from 20 high schools to work with scientists in real research projects. -­‐ Public Outreach: popularize astronomy (concepts, history, etc.) among the general public. The activity in this line is extensive: (1) publication of a popular science journal (“IAA: Información y Actualidad Astronómica”) every four months, (2) preparation of radio (“El Radioscopio”, http://radioscopio.iaa.es) and TV (“Con-­Ciencia", http://www-­‐divulgacion.iaa.es/antes-­‐de-­‐que-­‐anochezca) shows broadcast by Canal Sur RTVA, podcasts (e.g., "Ocho Minutos-­Luz”, http://universo.iaa.es/php/1249-­‐ocho-­‐minutos-­‐luz.htm) and audiovisual pieces (“Henrrietta and Tesla: two historic fake videoblogs”, http://teslablog.iaa.es -­‐ http://henrietta.iaa.es), (3) continuation of the “Lucas Lara” conference series (http://www-­‐divulgacion.iaa.es/ciclo-­‐lucas-­‐lara), (4) organization of visits to the OSN and IRAM 30m antenna in Sierra Nevada (“¿Eres de óptico o de radio?”, http://www.iaa.es/visitas-­‐OSN-­‐IRAM), and (5) organization of activities for the European Science Weeks (http://www.iaa.es/scyt2009, http://www.iaa.es/scyt2010) and “International Year of Astronomy 2009 in Spain” (AIA-­‐IYA2009 -­‐ http://astronomia2009.iaa.es). These activities have made it possible to build a solid connection between the IAA and the citizenship of Granada, which has been the scenario of many of our activities. Our efforts to communicate science have also reached a wider audience, not only from Spain but also from South America, since all the materials are available on our web site (http://www.iaa.es/). As a result, the IAA CCU has received a significant number of national awards including the First Prize in the 2007 and 2012 contests "Ciencia en Acción", First Honorable Mention in the 2004 contest "Física y Matemáticas en Acción", Best newspaper article in the 2003 contest "Prismas Casa de las Ciencias" granted by the Casa de las Ciencias in La Coruña, among many others. [060] Service Webpage: www-­‐divulgacion.iaa.es [070] Service Realm: External [080] Does the Service have ISO Certificates?: NO [090] Is the service included in the CSIC network of scientific-­technical Services?: No. [100] Internal Revenue 2010-­2012 (k euros): not applicable [110] Revenue to Other CSIC Centres 2010-­2012 (k euros): [120] Revenue to Universities 2010-­2012 (k euros): [130] Revenue to Private Companies 2010-­2012 (k euros): [140] Number of Groups which are users of the Service: All thirteen scientific groups of the IAA, in addition to several of its service units. [150] Staff Trained in the use of equipment 2010-­2012: None. 2. Critical Analysis 2.1 SWOT Strengths i. The IAA presents a unique combination of research in nearly all major areas and spectral ranges of Astrophysics, together with active instrumental and technological developments, and the participation in educational, academic, and outreach activities. Its harvest in all these areas has steadily grown since the IAA started operations, helping to promote Astronomy in Spain and in the world. ii. The number and great diversity of scientists at the IAA should be emphasized. It allows the scientific exploitation of large facilities across the whole spectral range using different observational techniques (photometry, spectroscopy, imaging, spectropolarimetry, interferometry,…), and it motivates a complementary approach to astrophysical problems, adding observations and technological developments to theory and numerical simulations. iii. The rate and quality of scientific publications in highly ranked journals, PhD production, outreach activities, and technological contributions of the IAA represents a significant asset of the whole CSIC Physics area. iv. The IAA plays a significant leadership in its research activity. The IAA scientists are leading authors or represent an important share of the author list for a huge fraction of their peer-­‐reviewed publications. Furthermore, the research performed at the IAA has reached a high internationalization degree. v. The IAA is traditionally open to international scientific exchange. IAA scientists maintain well-­‐established collaborations with world leading groups and institutes, and they have access to (and frequently use of) worldwide ground-­‐ based observing facilities and international space observatories. A significant fraction of our scientific staff, post-­‐doc fellows, and PhD students are international. The IAA scientists organize yearly an average of 15 international scientific meetings, from small workshops to large conferences, plus a series of weekly talks and seminars (in English). vi. The IAA fully operates the Observatorio de Sierra Nevada (OSN, Granada), a high-­‐mountain facility ideally suited for large-­‐term projects and quick response to transient phenomena. vii. The IAA is committed to the scientific operation of the Spanish-­‐German Astronomical Center at Calar Alto (CAHA, Almería) jointly with the Max Planck Institut für Astronomie in Heidelberg (Germany). viii. The IAA scientists and its technology branch (the so called UDIT) build instrumentation for spacecrafts of major international space agencies (e.g. ESA, NASA), in close collaboration with highly qualified technology and science groups. The IAA is leading instrumental projects for ground-­‐based telescopes (e.g., Calar Alto and the GTC 10.4-­‐m telescope, at Observatorio de El Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma). Our research activity greatly benefits from all these technological contributions. ix. The IAA hosted one of the few CSIC GRID nodes, now transformed into a Supercomputing Infrastructure capable of cloud massive computing. x. The IAA contributes significantly to the outreach of astronomical research. As a result, we are well known by local and national social agents, surely impinging a positive influence on the funding bodies of the scientific and technological research. IAA hosts a Unidad de Cultura Científica node certified by FECYT. Opportunities i. The IAA will benefit of the scientific exploitation of the exoplanet finder CARMENES at the 3.5-­‐m telescope of CAHA. CARMENES has been identified by the Astronet scientific committee's review of European 2-­‐4m telescopes (ETSRC) as one of the to-­‐be-­‐supported spectroscopic capabilities for the next decade. It will provide the IAA and Spanish Astronomical communities a unique scientific opportunity for the exploration of the diversity of exoplanets and for the determination of the frequency of Earth-­‐like planets in habitable zones. ii. The experience gained by the IAA in the development of front-­‐line instruments for CAHA places it in a prominent position for contributing to potential consortia established to build instruments for large telescopes. In this sense, CARMENES can be considered as a precursor of HIRES for the E-­‐ELT. Similar opportunities are provided by our involvement in projects for SKA. iii. The IAA has a proven expertise for the scientific exploitation of large ground-­‐ based and space-­‐borne facilities covering the whole spectral range: ALMA, VLA, HST, ESO VLT, GTC, XMM-­Newton, and Chandra among others. iv. The IAA is very well positioned for the timely scientific exploitation of massive databases produced by either ongoing surveys -­‐CALIFA, ALHAMBRA-­‐ or just-­‐completed projects such as CoRoT, MOST, and Kepler (through the SPACEINN European project for the preparation of an astroseismology space missions data legacy) and Rosetta, amongst others v. Similarly, the IAA has access to the IMaX data on board Sunrise and PHI in preparation for the ESA Solar Orbiter mission. This places the IAA in a prevalent position for leading potential large international projects in Solar physics, such as EST, the European Solar Telescope. vi. The IAA involvement in Solar system space missions ensures our participation in the exploitation of data obtained by present (Giada and Osiris on board ESA Rosetta, VIRTIS on Venus Express, PFS and SPICAM on Mars Express, and VIMS on Cassini), and future (BELA on board ESA Bepi Colombo, NOMAD on board of ESA ExoMars, GALA and Janus on board of ESA JUICE) space missions. The Mars program envisioned by the Horizon-­‐2020 can provide opportunities to access EU research networks and resources from the ERC. vii. The IAA is involved as well in ESA and NASA Earth Observation missions, such as MIPAS on Envisat and SABER on TIMED. It is in close cooperation with European groups for proposing new missions. viii. The IAA will take advantage of the positive public perception of Astronomy achieved in our local environment to promote social interest in scientific and technological activities. It is important to continue reaching out to the media and to gain recognition from the local and regional governments. ix. The transfer of basic research and technology to other CSIC institutes, national or international Universities and Research Institutes, and industry contributes to the economic and social progress. x. The implementation of an Astrophysics Masters program, in collaboration with UNED, will provide us the opportunity to attract Spanish and international physics students. This is an essential first step in the training of future astronomers and scientists. The students will be able to carry out professional astronomical observations at the OSN facilities, thus providing our Masters program a distinctive advantage. xi. The proven capability to apply for funds not only to the Space Sciences area of the European Research Council, but also to the areas of Earth Observation and Geophysics. Weaknesses i. There is room to invigorate the intellectual exchange between the different Departments and research groups of the IAA in order to enhance our scientific and technological productivity. ii. The capacity of the IAA to attract highly talented researchers is undermined by the more attractive conditions, both in terms of salary and permanent positions, offered by international research institutes. iii. The IAA leadership of world-­‐class projects for large ground-­‐based facilities or space missions is limited by the funding conditions and employment instability of some of the scientists involved in technological and scientific projects. iv. The technical staff of the IAA is insufficient for the upcoming technological and instrumental challenges springing from our commitment to the Calar Alto Observatory and the opportunities resulting from new existing large facilities, as GTC, VLT, and future challenges of SKA, E-­‐ELT and ESA space missions. v. The Computer Center staff is insufficient for internal needs, particularly as for providing support to supercomputing and other IAA external commitments, including the management of networks used by other CSIC institutes. vi. The presence of IAA researchers in international decision-­‐making bodies needs to be enhanced; likewise our visibility in committees of the regional (Junta de Andalucía) and national governments. vii. Our own Astrophysics Masters program has not been implemented yet, thus making it difficult for us to attract competitive PhD students. viii. Sabbatical leaves of staff scientists and technicians have become scarce, as are long-­‐term stays of top-­‐scientists from other research centers. Threats The present budgetary situation in Spain poses a number of risks to the activity, finances, and staff stability of many research centers. The IAA is not an exception. Among the main threads to our research activity, we highlight: i. Limited support and funding opportunities for long-­‐term projects. The uncertain commitment of Spain to large international projects such as E-­‐ELT and SKA, or to ESA is certainly worrisome. It threatens our possibilities to participate in large science projects. ii. The unreliability in the date, number, and budget of the calls for public funds by the Spanish research system threatens the research activity, especially when collaborating with international teams. This prevents many groups from making mid-­‐term planning. Furthermore, the 3-­‐year periodicity of the Spanish research grants does not suit at all the duration of large instrumental projects. iii. The average age of the scientific staff of the IAA is reaching a critical point, as many of them will soon retire. The almost complete lack of new permanent positions for young and well-­‐trained scientists and engineers, or the incapability to extend their employment, will put in risk the continuity of the scientific activity of many research groups. Projects demanding the contribution of a large team of researchers (for instance, multi-­‐wavelength observation programs) will be severely affected. iv. The lack of definition of a technological career poses its own risks. Very few permanent positions are offered to senior engineers, implying that too many projects depend on junior engineers. The subsequent loss of the know-­‐how provided by well-­‐experienced engineers deeply impacts in the progress of technological projects. v. Decreasing number of Physics graduate and PhD students in Spanish universities. vi. The procedures to acquire the hardware required for the development of instrument and space missions are extremely inefficient. The time-­‐lapse for the delivery of such material usually exceeds three months after the payment date, resulting in great management difficulties. vii. Severe budgetary reductions at Calar Alto observatory have imposed strong difficulties for its scientific operation, therefore significantly reducing the efficiency and quality of the data gathering system and powering the drain of the know-­‐how and talented staff. This impacts greatly the scientific return from CAHA. viii. The heavy bureaucratic load in the CSIC prevents a dynamic recruitment system and a more efficient funding scheme. The current policy of the CSIC as for the economic remnants of projects is creating a situation of legal insecurity that is playing against a solid international reputation for the management of UE funds. 2.2 Selective Advantages 1. The IAA provides a unique environment to carry out research in all major areas and spectral ranges of Astrophysics covering the four Astronet Science Vision key questions for research in Europe. To achieve these goals the IAA has undertaken a program of instrumental and technological developments, and participates actively in educational, academic, and outreach activities. All these activities provide an excellent environment for grad students and young researchers and engineers. 2. The rate and quality of scientific publications in highly ranked journals, PhD production, outreach activities, and technological contributions of the IAA are significant. With an h-­‐index of 88 and a high rate of publications in multidisciplinary journals of high social impact such as Nature and Science, the IAA is an important asset of the CSIC Physics Area. 3. The IAA operates the Spanish-­‐German Astronomical Center at Calar Alto (CAHA, Almería) jointly with the Max Planck Institut für Astronomie in Heidelberg (Germany), an ICTS included in the ESFRI map, and is part of the Astronet infrastructure roadmap. Together with the OSN observatory, fully operated by IAA, these observatories represent an excellent school for training and a benchmark laboratory for testing and developing new astronomical instrumentation. 5. The IAA researchers have access to the most powerful ground-­‐based telescopes, including the four 8m Very Large Telescopes (VLT) operated by ESO on Chile and the 10m Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC) at Roque de Los Muchachos observatory (La Palma, Spain). 4. The IAA’s large experience in instrumentation for space missions has made it a reference in planetary and solar science, placing the IAA in a prevalent position for its participation and leading contribution to new opportunities in space missions. 5. The IAA is very well positioned for the timely scientific exploitation of massive databases produced by either ongoing surveys (e.g., CALIFA, ALHAMBRA, Rosetta) or just-­‐completed projects such as CoRoT, amongst others. It is equally in excellent conditions for the use of data obtained by spacecrafts targeting the Sun and planet and minor bodies of the Solar System. In the near future, CARMENES will allow the IAA to search for exoplanets and to investigate the frequency of Earth-­‐like planets in habitable zones. 3. Objectives and Actions 3.1 General Objectives 3.1.1 Objectives The main general scientific objective of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA) is to advance in the knowledge of the universe, from the smallest and closest scales, here in our Solar System, up to the cosmological scales. Given the nature of the study, our goal is approached from a multidisciplinary perspective, requiring a combination of observations, theory and technology, and covering a wide range of aspects in physics and engineering. Being the IAA an institute devoted to basic science generation, we are also deeply involved in new instrumentation, given the role that Astrophysics plays as a driver in the generation of new technologies. The IAA is devoted to forefront research in Astronomy and Astrophysics. All major Astrophysics areas are covered by the IAA research activity, from the exploration of the solar system, stellar physics, star formation and interstellar medium physics to extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. All wavelengths of the spectral range are subject to observations by the experienced IAA scientific staff: gamma-­‐ and X-­‐rays, UV, optical, IR, and radio. The strategy of the IAA research program is central to the fundamental questions defined in the Astronet Science Vision for European Astronomy, for which significant advances are expected in the coming decade: i.-­ Do we understand the extremes of the Universe? ii.-­How do galaxies form and evolve? iii.-­ What is the origin and evolution of stars and planets? iv.-­ How do we (and the Solar System) fit in? This unique broad view of the Astronomy and Astrophysics offered by IAA is complemented by research on theoretical Astronomy, as well as by the presence of a supercomputing facility, and more importantly by the long tradition in building instrumentation for space missions and a boosting activity in instrumentation development for manned and robotic ground-­‐based telescopes. The main goal of the IAA for the PA 2014-­‐2017 is the consolidation of its leadership in Spain and to strengthen its international position keeping and reinforcing the status of a reference center in Astrophysics research. To reach these objectives, the IAA pursues scientific excellence and strongly promotes the participation and leading initiative of IAA scientists and engineers in current and future world-­‐class science and instrumentation for space and ground-­‐based projects. Moreover, as the reference CSIC center for CAHA, the IAA aims at fulfilling and complete the commitments agreed by the CSIC and MPG on Calar Alto, the largest and most productive astronomical observatory in mainland Europe. 3.1.2 Proposed Actions The IAA will pursue the following actions for the present PA 2014-­‐2017: 1.-­ Reinforce internationalization The internationalization of the scientific activity is key. The IAA will promote international exchange and collaborations at all possible levels: individuals, groups, and institutions. The main objectives and actions for the PA 2014-­‐2017 in these respects are described in the corresponding section of this document. 2.-­ Determination for seeking funds from European sources The current budgetary situation in Spain motivates more than ever the application for funding to European sources. We will encourage and provide the means to outstanding IAA scientists to apply for funds provided by national and international agencies such as the European Research Council (ERC). This will allow us to better align our scientific activity to the demands of the European society expressed in the Horizon-­‐2020 Plan. 3.-­ Promote International large projects The IAA will promote the participation and leading initiative of IAA scientists and engineers in current and future large international projects, such as world-­‐ wide scientific projects, space science missions, and in world-­‐class facilities and their instrumentation such as ESO, GTC, SKA among others. Specific initiatives are described in more detail in the section devoted to scientific actions. 4.-­ Enhancing external visibility of scientific excellence Linked to the previous two items, the IAA is strongly motivated to enhance its visibility in the national and international levels, and also in most relevant decision making bodies and scientific organizations. The IAA research main driver is aimed towards excellence in the field of astrophysics and space sciences. 5.-­ Advance in theoretical and computational Astrophysics The IAA is proud of the role played by its team of theoreticians in all research lines and groups. Their theoretical contribution is an essential piece to define new instrumentation and for the interpretation of the scientific return of large international projects. It will also allow us to take advantage of the IAA massive computing infrastructure, using it to solve the most outstanding scientific problems in Computational Astrophysics. 6.-­ Education and Academics The involvement of IAA scientists and engineers in educational and academic activities, mostly in close collaboration with the Universidad de Granada (UGr), has a long tradition. The IAA will keep promoting these activities and further steps to increase our academic activities are being taken. In this vein, the IAA should be able to offer talented students very attractive research projects, at the front line of astrophysics research. The main objectives and actions for the PA 2014-­‐2017 are described in the corresponding section of this document. 7.-­ Outreach of our scientific activity The outreach of the scientific activity is a key action. The IAA will promote these activities, following the successful track record of our outreach unit (Unidad de Divulgación del IAA), which hosts a FECYT Unidad de Cultura Científica. The main objectives and actions for the PA 2014-­‐2017 are described in the corresponding section of this document. 8.-­ Efficient management We shall procure an efficient Management Plan for the IAA to foresee our current and future challenges. This new management plan should support the increasing research activity and help the management of strategic technological projects, aided by computing tools and an efficient team. The actions undertaken to compete for UE funds require of a technically well-­‐prepared management office. To achieve these goals, the SA unit requires the addition of new support personnel and the promotion of the current staff to permanent positions. 9.-­ Promotion of bright young RyC fellows to permanent positions All IAA RyC fellows will see (two of them have already seen) their 5-­‐yr grants finished during the present PA 2014-­‐2017, implying severe risks for highly productive research lines and groups of the IAA. It is paramount to take all actions needed to ensure that these researchers have the chance of becoming permanent scientists. 3.2 Scientific Objectives 3.2.1 Objectives The IAA is a center devoted to basic research in Astrophysics. It has a broad view of this Science, which allows covering all major areas of modern Astrophysics. To support its leading contribution to Astrophysical research, the IAA has been and is currently engaged in the design and construction of instrumentation for space probes and satellites, and large ground-­‐based telescopes. As if it were a journey taking us to any place of the observable Universe, the scientific objectives of the IAA can be summarized as: i. The study of the origin and evolution of the Universe as a whole, which is the subject of Cosmology. Our research encompasses the advance in General Relativity, the cosmological significance of the large-­‐scale distribution of galaxies, and the empirical measurement of the fundamental parameters of the Universe, in order to verify the validity of theories about its structure and evolution. ii. The observational characterization of the stellar, gaseous, molecular, and dark-­‐matter components of galaxies of the local universe, reaching the faintest outer regions that trace the fossil record of their formation. Our research wants to isolate the effects of internal processes, formative evolution, and environment on the present-­‐epoch properties of galaxies, particularly on their star formation and nuclear activity. The cold intergalactic medium is also target of our research. iii. The investigation of the formation and evolution of black holes, its cosmological effects, and the production of relativistic jets in multiple astrophysical sites, from active galactic nuclei (AGN) to gamma-­‐ray bursts (GRB) and micro-­‐quasars. iv. The study of optical transients, with especial interest in X-­‐ray binaries and gamma-­‐ray bursts. The latter are enigmatic stellar explosions occurring early in the evolution of the Universe, resulting of great interest the study of their environments and how these high-­‐energy phenomena affect to the surrounding interstellar medium. v. The advance in our knowledge of the Galactic structure and its components. The characterization of stellar clusters and massive stars in the Galaxy, and the study of the Galactic Centre are pursued, linking star-­‐forming processes with spatial and kinematic structures on different scales. vi. The study in detail of individual components of the Galaxy, namely (1) the internal structure of stars, uniquely studied through astroseismology techniques, (2) the formation of stars (and their planetary systems) at all mass scales and its connection with accretion processes using high-­‐resolution radio-­‐interferometric observations, (3) the late stages of stellar evolution, when stars deposit processed material and energy into the interstellar medium, and (4) the formation and evolution of planetary systems around very low-­‐mass stars, aiming at obtaining information on the planetary atmospheres. vi. The sunspots and quiet-­‐Sun are studied with high spatial and temporal resolution spectropolarimetric measurements to shed light on the intensification mechanisms of the magnetic field in small-­‐scale elements. vii. The journey through time and space ends with a comprehensive investigation of the Solar System. Trans-­‐neptunian objects (TNOs), the least evolved objects within our solar system, carry important information on the initial phases of the solar system. The study of the thermal structure, chemistry, energy budget and electrical activity of the atmospheres of the terrestrial planets (Earth, Mars, and Venus and Titan), the surface, sub-­‐surface and interior of Mercury, and the research on the origin and evolution of the water content and its derivates in the atmospheres of the Giant Planets and Titan are especially relevant for understanding the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere. The IAA Cosmic Dust Laboratory (CODULAB) is key for the experimental study of dust samples of interest for the Solar System research. The IAA also aims at taking advantage of the opportunity provided by its share in the operation and technological projects at CAHA, the Calar Alto Observatory, which can allow our scientists and engineers to be in the pole position for the construction and scientific return of leading-­‐edge instruments for present and upcoming observatories such as E-­‐ELT, GTC, and ESO based on criteria of scientific excellence for the selection of instruments and their scientific case. The participation in present and future solar system missions is also a highly ranked target of the IAA future activities. Being pioneers in the application of e-­‐Science to radioastronomy, we have provided a key contribution to the implementation of the IRAM 30m and ALMA archives according to VO standards. This has allowed us to be accepted in the Science Data Processor Working Package (WP) of the Pre-­‐construction phase of SKA as part of the international consortium lead by the University of Cambridge. 3.2.2 Proposed Actions The specific actions proposed for the PA2014-­‐2017 are aimed at fulfilling the research and technological activity of the IAA. These include: i. Continue and promote the scientific leadership and contribution to major surveys of the sky and large projects. The IAA has led ALHAMBRA, started J-­‐PAS, and has decisively contributed to CALIFA, three extensive extragalactic surveys using major Spanish facilities. Its scientists are also involved in large HST extragalactic programs (e.g., CLASH) and lead the generation of a complete database of Galactic O stars. Other Galactic and extragalactic surveys with IAA participation are AMIGA (an international collaboration led at IAA), GOSSS, OTELO, PMS-­‐CLUSTERS, GES, CAFE-­‐BEANS, GALANTE, LIRGI, DAFT-­‐FADA, and LEMMING. ii. Continue and promote the technological and scientific contribution to ground-­‐ based optical instrumentation such as PANIC, CARMENES, BOOTES, MEGARA for GTC, OCTOCAM for the GTC, GROND for the 2.2m telescope at La Silla, and X-­‐ shooter for the 8.2m VLT. iii. Participation in key science projects of SKA pathfinders (EVLA, MeerKAT, ASKAP) will pave the way for an optimal exploitation of SKA. We lead the Feasibility study of the Spanish technological participation in the SKA (VIA-­‐SKA), which fostered the participation of 10 research centers and 10 companies in SKA Pre-­‐Construction phase consortia. As part of VIA-­‐SKA effort, we became a partner in the Power WP of SKA in collaboration with the Plataforma Solar de Almería (CIEMAT), bringing together, for the 1st time in Spain, a technological collaboration between Astrophysics and renewable energies. iv. Continue and promote the scientific contribution to future space missions and scientific return of past missions: INTEGRAL, UFFO-­‐p, WSO-­‐UV, … v. Continue and promote the technological and scientific contribution to Solar System missions: NOMAD on board of the ESA EXO-­Mars TGO Orbiter, GALA and Janus on board Juice, the magnetograph IMaX on board of Sunrise, SO/PHI, the polarimetric and helioseismic imager for ESA's Solar Orbiter mission, the candidates for the ESA M3 missions PLATO, Marco Polo-­‐R and EChO… vi. Fulfill the IAA commitment with the Calar Alto Observatory. The completion of PANIC, a near-­‐IR panoramic camera is due in a few months. The completion of CARMENES, a high-­‐dispersion optical and near-­‐IR spectrograph aimed at the detection of exoplanets around low-­‐mass stars is critical for the survival of the observatory itself. It will provide a solid scientific case for the use of its 3.5-­‐m telescope and place the IAA in a prevalent position for the search of exoplanets and for future technological developments, since CARMENES can be understood as a precursor of HIRES for the E-­‐ELT. 3.3 Technology Transfer 3.3.1 Technology Transfer Objectives The IAA is involved in a series of activities aimed at the exchange of knowledge and technology among different agents. Our track record in educational and academic activities involving other academic and research institutes is described in the corresponding section of this document. The IAA also contributes to actions aimed at facilitating the access to astronomical datasets through the Virtual Observatory and pipelines for instruments and projects. Our long-­‐ tradition in space science missions and astronomical instrument projects has provided us the skills and connections to establish close collaborations with private technological companies resulting in several patents and a significant number of I+D+i contracts. The IAA has recently started to offer the Service of Optical Engineering. Private companies, universities and other research institutions can profit from the experience of our engineers and advanced facilities demanded by the design and development of astronomical instrumentation. 3.3.2 Proposed Actions In the last years, the IAA has gained a leading position in e-­‐Science in Spain, being an important partner in the development of the Virtual Observatory. TOUCAN (the virtual observatory tools for astroseismology) is an example of our contribution. In the upcoming PA2014-­‐2017 the IAA will maintain its efforts to contribute to making accessible astronomical data and computing facilities to the Spanish astronomical community. Moreover, the IAA will encourage the groups currently engaged in e-­‐Science activities to persist in their actions and will seek for new research groups to join them. The IAA continued activity in space science missions and astronomical instrument projects has allowed us to develop close collaborations with private enterprises. We have identified a series of areas with great potential for the skills of our technicians and engineers to be used in design, development, and consulting activities for private companies or research institutions. These include optical engineering, control and data acquisition software, digital and analogical electronics, control and processing codes design for FPGAs, and high precision mechanics. We expect this new policy will result in the generation of new patents and in trade activities through contracts with enterprises. The IAA will extend its offer of Optical Engineer services. 3.4 Training 3.4.1 Training Objectives Scientific and technological training has an essential strategic interest for the exploitation of opportunities and challenges of future projects. Astronomy and Astrophysics research is of great social interest, making our activity a stepping stone towards raising the awareness of scientific and technological activity. Recognizing the importance of these premises, the IAA has determined as its objective the diffusion of astronomical and astrophysical knowledge at different levels of education, including the participation in master and doctorate programs of university graduates, courses and advanced laboratory sessions for university alumni and finally the introduction of astrophysics to teachers and students covering from kinder to secondary school levels. The first groups are critical since they are the astrophysicists of the future that will participate in projects such as SKA, ALMA or E-­‐ELT, which will become fully functional over the next years or decades. 3.4.2 Proposed Actions Specific actions to achieve these objectives are as follow: i. Creation of an Astrophysics Master program as joint agreement with CSIC and the National University of Distance Education (UNED). This program, developed mainly by IAA staff, with the collaboration of researchers from other institutions and universities, must cover the basic formation needs of our doctorate students, but it must also be able to extend to other communities, especially the Latin-­‐ American one, through the diffusion of the UNED in that geographical area or by the use of virtual lectures. The collaboration with the University of Granada, which includes two Master and Doctorate programs, will continue in the future, as well as the participation of our researchers in international schools. For all the described activities we must highlight the existing advantage the IAA possesses with the availability of the Observatorio de Sierra Nevada (OSN) telescopic facilities and the ease of use of the CAHA telescopes, as well as the access to developing technological projects available in our premises. ii. Continuation of our participation in international formation programs. This section includes the formation of doctorate students enrolled in our Latin American and European programs as well as the reception of post-­‐doctorate investigators belonging to the Marie Curie program, and other top programs funded by foreign agencies (e.g. ESO, CONACyT, Mexico, UPR). iii. Creation of programs for introduction to research, aimed to university students in the latest courses of their degree, so that they can obtain direct contact with IAA researchers and the studies that they carry out. These programs can be channeled through the creation of annual conferences. iv. Development of doctorate theses in Astronomy and Astrophysics. In this regard, we must highlight the Doctorate Monitoring Program that has been established in our center or the Doctorate Conferences that annually take place to evaluate the progress of each doctorate work and to guarantee the quality of the formation received by the future researcher. v. Development of annual astronomical and astrophysical schools for secondary –level teachers and students. This is still a maturing project, but its initial stages have obtained brilliant results through the Program for Initiation to Investigation and Innovation in Secondary Schools of Granada Program (PIIISA) created and actively maintained by the IAA. More information about this program can be found at http://www.piiisa.es . 3.5 Dissemination and Outreach 3.5.1 Dissemination and Outreach Objectives The main goal of the IAA Communication, Education and Public Outreach Unit (UCC-­‐IAA) is to spread the IAA scientific and technological activities and to increase the awareness of astronomy to different target audiences: media, school and university students, teachers, decision-­‐makers, scientists, amateur astronomers, children, handicapped people and, of course, the general public. The motto of our activity is “The Universe for everyone”. The IAA PA 2014-­‐2017 includes specific objectives for our outreach activity that stem from the Horizon 2020 program. Some of the key ideas of this program are: multifaceted presentations of the same topic, exploration of new science communication formats, and promotion of science education and Citizen Science in order to reinforce the public confidence in science. “The Universe for everyone” plan will focus in the communication of science and technical advances for all publics using e-­‐Science tools and engaging Citizen Science activities. The specific objectives are: • Maintaining and improving the level and quality of our outreach activities, while developing new activities for different targets. • Reinforcing the local presence of the IAA-­‐CSIC in Granada and Andalusia. • Seeking new local, national and international sources of funding and stakeholders. • Spreading the UCC-­‐IAA activity in an international context. 3.5.2 Proposed Actions In order to achieve the proposed objectives, the UCC-­‐IAA will perform the following actions: i. Enhance communication activities (press releases, news, etc IAA) with complementary audiovisual material and specific communication plans for each scientific and technological project of the IAA-­‐CSIC. ii. Promote and maintain current IAA Outreach Activities (IAA popular science journal, school educational visits, PIIISA project, the “Lucas Lara” series of monthly popular conferences, visits to the Observatory, etc.) and seek funding to produce new activities exploring new formats and public objects. iii. Consolidate and improve the agreements with the local media as Canal Sur (“El Radioscopio” radio program; “Con-­Ciencia” TV show) or the “Granada Hoy” newspaper and fostering more presence in the national media. iv. Reinforce the local presence of the IAA-­‐CSIC in Granada and Andalusia with the collaboration with local stakeholders like DESCUBRE Foundation, etc, … v. Seek for new funding sources as well as public or private stakeholders. A renewal of the corporate visual identity will be needed, as well as the design of a dossier about the IAA-­‐CSIC research activity and the development of new promotional material (brochures, flyers, etc.). The UCC-­‐IAA will explore the possibility of partnering with commercial companies, even the e-­‐commerce, so it will be necessary to design new merchandising. vi. Spread the UCC-­‐IAA activity in an International context. Currently the IAA represents Spain in the SKA Communications and Outreach Network (SKACON), which originated to ensure proper coordination, management, planning and control of the SKA-­‐related communications and outreach initiatives in the worldwide. This is an excellent opportunity to coordinate the SKA outreach activities in Spain and achieve an important international presence. Also in this context, the UCC-­‐IAA participates in the outreach work package of the project BIO STIRLING-­‐4SKA funded by the Seventh Framework Program. vii. The unit will seek potential sources of recruitment and agreements and partnerships with other agencies. This will allow it to increase its limited manpower in order to achieve the aforementioned challenges. 3.6 Internationalization 3.6.1 Internationalization Objectives International exchange and collaboration is mandatory to proper scientific and technological progress. In the past decade, the IAA has steadily intensified its international relations as is witnessed by the increasing number of foreign students and postdoctoral researchers, by ever more publications led by researchers from the IAA with an international list of co-­‐authors as well as foreign-­‐led publications on which researchers on the IAA are co-­‐authors, and by the larger number of international projects. The IAA aims at continuing this story of success and at intensifying the exchange and relationship with outstanding international scientists in order to increase the impact of our research, technological, and academic activities abroad. Different actions will be continued or started along with the current PA2014-­‐ 2017 to enhance the international visibility of the IAA-­‐CSIC. These will be taken at the level of individuals, groups, and institutions, as described below. 3.6.2 Proposed Actions Individual actions The IAA has a modest number of international post-­‐docs and graduate students. This group, though small, is extremely important to reinforce our international collaborations and visibility. The IAA aims at: i. Increasing the ratio of international to national staff by promoting the integration of international researchers into the IAA at all levels: graduate students, post-­‐docs, researchers on sabbatical leaves, and new permanent staff. ii. Motivating the mobility of our own personnel through sabbatical stays and short visits of our students to outstanding international research centers. iii. Creating a program for visitors (Programa de Visitantes del IAA) to allow visits and short stays of outstanding scientists in our center. Group actions The IAA has numerous and long-­‐standing international collaborations. These are very fruitful in terms of scientific production and formation of young scientists. For the PA 2014-­‐2017, the IAA would like: i. To maintain our well-­‐established international collaborations, reflected in the high share of international co-­‐authors in our publications. ii. To favor the creation of international networks, as the “Research Networks” funded by the EU, by offering to our research groups the conditions and services necessary to become strategic nodes of large international astronomical networks. Institution actions There is a series of actions aimed at increasing the visibility of the IAA and CSIC that only the IAA as a whole can endorse. In this respect, the IAA aims at: i. Increasing the presence of IAA staff in international decision making, scientific advisory and evaluating bodies, such as the European Research Council. ii. Favoring our involvement in international astronomical projects and consortia for cutting-­‐edge instrumentation for large telescopes. iii. Increasing the funds obtained from international collaborative projects. iv. Promoting international programs such as International Schools or Lectures to increase the visibility of the IAA. v. Maintaining the high number of international conferences organized by members of the IAA. vi. Promoting the use of English as the principal language of scientific communication, both orally, e.g. seminars and in publications (fully bilingual web site and press releases). vii. Encouraging daily scientific discussions (“fresh” research results, interesting new papers, etc) at a specific place at the IAA.
