Today, in the Sala dei Giganti of the University of Padua, Italy, partners and collaborators of the CTAO gathered to celebrate the launch of activities of the CTAO ERIC. The ceremony, organised by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) and the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), brought together representatives from the CTAO … Continued
On 30 September 2025, the transfer of assets from the former legal entity of the Observatory, CTAO gGmbH — a non-profit limited liability company under German law — to its current European Research Infrastructure Consortium, CTAO ERIC, was formally concluded at a signing event in Munich, Germany, in the presence of a notary. On behalf … Continued
The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), hosting partner of the CTAO, celebrated its 40th anniversary on 24 July 2025. The occasion marks four decades since the official inauguration of its headquarters and its two observatories: the Teide Observatory in Tenerife and the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma, Canary Islands— the latter … Continued
On May 12, the CTAO Central Organisation announced the launch of the Werner Hofmann Scientific Award during the CTAO Consortium Meeting. The award aims to recognise outstanding PhD research in very high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics. “The award is for PhD students who are currently enrolled or have completed their thesis within 12 months of the call … Continued
From April 25 to 28, the island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) became the epicentre of science and culture with the celebration of the STARMUS Festival 2025. A unique global event, STARMUS blends astrophysics, space exploration, art, and music to inspire and ignite curiosity about the Universe. This year’s edition in La Palma included … Continued
Strengthened by the establishment of the ERIC this past January, the CTAO Central Organisation has continued the rigorous recruitment campaign it launched last year, resulting in a significant increase in new hires and career opportunities across the organisation. In the first quarter of 2025, the Observatory has already welcomed 10 new team members, onboarding, on … Continued
On February 20, 2025, CTAO Director General Stuart McMuldroch, Emilia-Romagna Region Vice-President Vincenzo Colla, and University of Bologna Vice-Rector for Research Stefano Fanti, met in Bologna, Italy.
On February 12, 2025, Dr. Francisco Colomer was elected as the first CTAO ERIC Council’s Chair, bringing with him a wealth of experience in both astronomy and the management of international scientific projects. Currently serving as Programs Director for the Spanish Deputy Directorate General for International Consortia, Organisms and Research Infrastructures, under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU), Dr. Colomer has played a key role in shaping European research policy. In 2023, he coordinated the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the fields of Scientific Research, Innovation, and Space.
On February 12, 2025, the CTAO ERIC Council was formally established during its inaugural meeting in Bologna, Italy, solidifying the governance framework of the CTAO. Following the European Commission’s creation of the CTAO ERIC in January 2025, the newly formed Council plays a fundamental role in steering the organisation’s future. As the Observatory’s governing body, the Council brings together delegates from all governing parties that form the CTAO ERIC to oversee strategy and decision-making in pursuit of CTAO’s mission and objectives.
From 28 to 29 January, the CTAO ERIC participated in the ERIC Forum Annual Meeting at the Club University Foundation in Brussels, Belgium. During the event, Designated Director General for the CTAO ERIC, Stuart McMuldroch, signed the Memorandum of Understanding to make the CTAO the Forum’s newest member after the European Commission established it as an ERIC … Continued