Yesterday, the European Commission established the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory European Research Infrastructures Consortium (CTAO ERIC). This Consortium will construct and operate the world’s largest and most powerful ground-based gamma-ray observatory, making a significant milestone in global astro-particle physics. This pioneering facility, will revolutionise our understanding of the universe, driving groundbreaking science in the next decades.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said:
“We are thrilled to announce the creation of the CTAO ERIC, a groundbreaking facility poised to deepen our understanding of the universe. This state-of-the-art centre will solidify Europe’s leadership in the field of astro-particle physics, while also enhancing its role as a hub for international research collaborations. The establishment of the CTAO ERIC underscores the strength and potential of the ERIC model in fostering not only pan-European partnerships but also global scientific cooperation.”
By bridging the gap between particle physics and astronomy, the CTAO will enable disruptive scientific breakthroughs, fostering a new era of multi-messenger astronomy that will shape the future of science in the 21st century. The Observatory is expected to be operational at the end of the current decade.
Background
Until today, the design and implementation of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) was prepared as a non-profit company under German law, providing the administrative and operational foundation for its transition to a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC).
The European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) is a specific legal form under EU law that facilitates the establishment and operation of Research Infrastructures with European interest. A European Commission decision is required to set up a new ERIC. CTAO is the 29th ERIC created since 2009 and proves that the ERIC legal instrument facilitates pan-European and international scientific collaboration.
The CTAO will comprise telescopes located in Spain (the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos in La Palma) and Chile (the Paranal Observatory of ESO), with its legal seat in Italy and data centre in Germany. This research infrastructure will strengthen collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and policymakers, promoting the circulation of human resources, ideas, and innovations across Europe and beyond.
At the forefront of modern astrophysics, the Observatory will tackle some of the most fundamental questions of our time, including the origin and role of relativistic particles, the properties of extreme environments, and the frontiers of physics. By expanding the catalogue of known gamma-ray emitting cosmic sources up to tenfold, the CTAO will detect over 1,000 new objects, providing unprecedented insights into the most powerful events in the cosmos.
The CTAO will conduct a census of particle acceleration in the Universe, shedding light on the most extreme phenomena. It will also search for annihilating dark matter particles and deviations from Einstein’s theory of special relativity, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. By exploring these fundamental questions, the CTAO will drive a deeper understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.
Embracing the principles of Open Science, the Observatory will break new ground by adopting an open, proposal-driven approach, offering public access to its high-level science data and software products and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Documents
Commission implementing decision setting up the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory ERIC (CTAO ERIC)
Annex to the Commission implementing decision setting up the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory ERIC (CTAO ERIC)
More information
Research Infrastructures
About the ERIC Forum
ESFRI
CTAO
Press contact:
EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation
