Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias

Mission & Goals

Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) Recognized by Spain as a "Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence," the IAC is a nationally funded research center operating two top international observatories. It is a Public Consortium formed by the Spanish State, the Canary Islands, the University of La Laguna (ULL), and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Mission: Promote and conduct astrophysics research, develop and transfer technology, disseminate astronomical knowledge, collaborate in university teaching, train scientific and technical staff, manage observatories and facilities, and foster national and international scientific relations. Goal: Achieve international leadership in astrophysics through excellence in science and technology, enhance the Canary Islands Observatories as an "astronomical reserve," attract top research infrastructures, establish a European center of excellence for training, and facilitate knowledge transfer among scientific communities.