[ASA] Preparing for the conclusion of the Australia-ESO Strategic Partnership [SEC=OFFICIAL]

[Alexander Cooke]

Dear colleagues

As many of you will be aware, Australia's ten-year Strategic Partnership with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is due to conclude in 2028. This partnership was underpinned by Australian Government funding of $129.2 million in 2017. Government has not yet made a decision on whether to pursue ESO membership beyond this period. However the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) - the lead department responsible for managing astronomy policy and the strategic partnership with ESO - is having exploratory discussions directly with ESO about what future options could look like after the Strategic Partnership ends, to inform advice to Government.

AAL has started pulling together information in two areas which it hopes will help inform the department's analysis and advice to Government. This includes further details on the implications of any decision by the Government not to invest in ESO, including looking at alternative options to fund access to large optical telescope facilities, or the implications of ceasing investment entirely. AAL is also preparing information on possible "in-kind contributions" by Australian organisations that could deliver on broader Australian Government policy priorities and ensure that maximum funding stays 'on shore' and has the potential to deliver additional science benefits and benefits to the Australian economy.

AAL is working to prepare this information by the beginning of August in order for it to be used as part of broader research and analysis that the Department will prepare to support consideration by the Australian Government.

To support this work AAL is convening a number of working groups to assist it in providing input to the Dept. In particular,

  1.  an In Kind Opportunities Working Group that will consider possible Australian investments in Instrumentation, Software, Industry, Services/technology and the Exchange of data/observing time allocations, and
  2.  a group to gather information and data about alternative options for supporting access to large optical telescopes, including options for making investments in other facilities or not providing any further investment into optical astronomy in Australia. AAL will draw on the insights from work done as part of the 2026-2035 Decadal Plan to prepare this data, updated taking into account recent developments globally.

AAL is also drawing on insights from its Astronomy Science Advisory Committee<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/lyOvC6XQ4Lfy32BBqFpfph5_K01?domain=astronomyaustralia.org.au> on synergies between access to optical facilities and other astronomical facilities (including radio-astronomy, gravitational wave astronomy and high energy physics); and the AAL Industry Engagement Advisory Committee<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Bx1wC71R2NTZP5JJwfWhkhoDRcH?domain=astronomyaustralia.org.au> to identify opportunities for industry engagement and industry activation. We think this information will be helpful in building the case to Government.

Additional background on these working groups, including membership of the In Kind Working Group, is attached. Particularly in the case of the In Kind Opportunities Working Group, I would like to emphasise that members of this group will be expected to work collaboratively with other stakeholders across Australia to ensure all relevant institutions have the opportunity to provide input. The 'in kind list' that will be prepared will be indicative only and inform advice to Government on any future options.

It should be reiterated that given the Government has not yet made any decision and our efforts at the moment are exploratory only and all about gathering information/data/evidence that will help Government make an informed decision. It should also be stressed that in order to respect the position of DISR as the responsible entity for the Strategic Partnership, members of the astronomical community should not engage in discussions on this issue directly with ESO. There are many steps until the conclusion of this process.

I look forward to your participation in sharing views with myself and working group members.

Regards

Alex



______________________________________________________________________________

Alexander Cooke
Chief Executive Officer
Astronomy Australia Ltd

E: alexander.cooke at astronomyaustralia.org.au<mailto:katherine.hinton at astronomyaustralia.org.au>
P: 0422 730 624
astronomyaustralia.org.au
Mount Stromlo Observatory
Cotter Road, Weston Creek, ACT 2611 Australia

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