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Activity Funded

Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences

Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço

Reference
UID/04434/2025
Project Start Date
2025-01-01
Project End Date
2029-12-31
Principal Investigator
Funding Program
Avaliação UID 2023/2024

Abstract

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Sciences are at the forefront of scientific research. They promote technological innovation, driving the development of new instruments and technologies, data processing methods and computational structures, with the consequent social and economic impact. This is one of the national scientific areas with the strongest international impact, measured in terms of number of citations per publication with peer review. This exceptional productivity, resulting from scientific excellence and a growing recognition, makes this area one of the niches where Portugal has assumed international leadership roles. The Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences (IA) is the reference institution for this area in Portugal, presenting a high level of scientific production and bringing together a remarkable portfolio of participations in leadership roles in astronomical instruments and missions (eg ESO and ESA). With 66 PhD researchers and 52 PhD students, IA is responsible for most of the national scientific productivity in the field and has unique expertise and skills to ensure continued success. The IA bases its strategy on a coherent, dynamic and ambitious plan that incorporates a bold but realistic vision for the development of the area in Portugal, taking full advantage of and realizing fully the potential created by the Portuguese participation in ESA and ESO. IA research and development addresses most of the topics at the forefront of Astronomy and Astrophysics (A&A) research, from the Solar System to exoplanets, from stars to galaxies, and to the properties of the Universe. It is complemented by work on instrumentation and systems of relevance to A&A projects and strengthened by innovative science communication initiatives. This approach has also allowed for the development of partnerships with industry, which is crucial for stimulating technological development and innovation. The offer of high-quality advanced training in Astronomy, Astrophysics andSpace Sciences is also one of the designs of the institution. For IA it is strategically important to support teaching and research at the graduate and postgraduate level in these areas, especially in the Universities of Coimbra, Lisbon, and Porto. Examples include the Doctoral Network PhD::SPACE, funded by FCT and managed by IA, and a program, created by IA, intended for undergraduate students seeking first contact with research in this area. Astronomy is one of the scientific areas that can most easily be used to disseminate scientific knowledge among the general public, and in particular school population. The IA promotes a wide, innovative and effective range of awareness activities, in collaboration with the Universities of Coimbra, Lisbon and Porto. This activity makes IA the source of information of choice in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Sciences for the media in Portugal.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA)
  • FCiênciasID Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências (Fciências.ID)

Other Institutions

  • Universidade de Coimbra (UC)
  • Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências (FCUL)
  • Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA)

Funding 2.478.521,82 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

2.478.521,82 €