[ASA] Update on status of Australian efforts to join ESO

[Sarah Brough]

Dear Colleagues,


I am writing to update our community following advice from Government today regarding Australia’s relationship with the European Southern Observatory (ESO).


We have been advised that the Australian Minister for Industry, Science and Resources has decided not to convert Australia’s ten‑year Strategic Partnership with ESO to full membership. Minister Ayres has written to the ESO Director General, Xavier Barcons, to formally inform him of this decision.


Access to 8m‑ and 30m‑class optical telescopes is one of our community’s highest priorities for the 2026–2035 Decadal Plan. Full membership of ESO has been our preferred pathway, given the strong scientific return on investment such membership would provide.


In parallel, and recognising the need for contingency planning, Astronomy Australia Limited (AAL), together with the National Committee for Astronomy (NCA), has been working towards a ‘Plan B’ to secure ongoing access for our community to other 8m‑ and 30m‑class optical facilities. This work has involved a cross-section of the community with interests in optical/near IR, radio, instrumentation and data to ensure that we took into account all the activities that full ESO membership would have supported. Its work is close to conclusion. Now that we have this news we will ensure discussions around a Plan B take in additional community consultation to validate this and inform how we work closely with Government on these options, particularly as Australia’s current Strategic Partnership with ESO concludes at the end of 2027.


We recognise this news will be disappointing to many in our community. We remain committed to advocating strongly for world‑class observational access for Australian astronomers and will keep you informed as discussions progress.


With best wishes,
Sarah and Alex

On behalf of NCA and AAL


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Professor Sarah Brough
Head of School | School of Physics
Chair | National Committee for Astronomy
Australian Observer | European Southern Observatory Council
AD: #G06, Old Main Building (K15) | UNSW Sydney | NSW 2052 | Australia
PH: +61 2 9065 2579

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