CTAO Transforms into a European Research Infrastructure Consortium

On January 7, 2025, a significant milestone in the realm of astrophysics was reached with the establishment of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) by the European Commission. This strategic move is set to amplify the observatory’s position as the largest and most potent gamma-ray astronomy facility in the world. The creation of the CTAO ERIC heralds a new era in the field of high-energy astrophysics by facilitating the rapid construction of the observatory while offering a coherent framework for the global dissemination of its extensive data sets.

Dr. Aldo Covello, Chair of the Board of Governmental Representatives (BGR), expressed his optimism about the ERIC’s potential to streamline both the construction and operations of the CTAO. This legal status aims to bolster both talent acquisition and investment in the observatory’s ongoing development. By granting legal stability and administrative advantages, the ERIC ensures that the CTAO can effectively sustain its global operations and influence within the scientific community.

The establishment of the CTAO ERIC is backed by international support from 11 countries and a prominent intergovernmental organization engaged in the technological advancement, construction, and operation of the observatory. The collaborative efforts leading to this achievement were carried out by the BGR, which meticulously worked towards preparing the operational structure that the ERIC would embody.

Dr. Stuart McMuldroch, CTAO Managing Director, provided insight into the implications of the ERIC status, acknowledging the years of diligent planning by various international teams that have rallied to support the observatory. He pointed out that this accomplishment empowers the CTAO with a robust mechanism to consolidate its efforts and expedite progress on the groundbreaking project.

With the ERIC in place, the central organization will be equipped to accept and manage the current telescope prototypes while simultaneously initiating the construction of an extensive array of over 60 telescopes, which will be distributed across sites in Spain and Chile. Notably, at the CTAO-North location, additional Large-Sized Telescopes (LSTs) and Medium-Sized Telescopes (MSTs) will be constructed in the near future. Work on the CTAO-South site is also expected to progress with the delivery of five Small-Sized Telescopes (SSTs) and two MSTs anticipated by early 2026.

The ERIC’s impact on the observatory will not be confined to hardware; it will also influence critical operational aspects. In the following months, the CTAO plans to integrate advanced software systems designed to manage telescope operations and data processing effectively. An ongoing recruitment drive across all CTAO facilities, including its Headquarters in Bologna, Italy, and the Science Data Management Centre in Germany, is anticipated to ensure ample support for these essential developments.

Recognizing the global standing of the CTAO, it is noteworthy that the observatory received “Landmark” status in the European Forum on Research Infrastructure (ESFRI) Roadmap 2018 and has been prioritized among new ground-based infrastructures in the ASTRONET Roadmap 2022-2035. After meticulous preparation and with the legal entity now formally established, the CTAO is poised to fortify its presence within the global research ecosystem, fostering synergies with diverse international organizations and observatories.

The universal appeal of the CTAO resonates with its potential contributions to high-energy astrophysics and its role in addressing some of the most pressing questions concerning cosmic phenomena. Prof. Federico Ferrini, co-Managing Director, expressed that the ERIC status would not only enhance the CTAO’s stature in Europe but would also expand its reach beyond European borders. With ambitions to establish the world’s most extensive gamma-ray observatory that meets the intricate needs of the global scientific community, the CTAO looks to engage partners from all over the world.

The member countries expanding the CTAO ERIC include Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Moreover, Switzerland participates as an Observer, while Japan has taken on the role of a Strategic Partner, and Australia represents a Third Party contribution. This expansive collaboration reflects the observatory’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in the astronomical research field.

The CTAO is expected to generate an unprecedented volume of data—hundreds of petabytes annually— marking it as a significant "Big Data project" in the research community. In alignment with its commitment to open science, the CTAO will be the first observatory of its kind to operate as an open, proposal-driven facility, facilitating public access to its high-level science data and software products. This transparency signifies a progressive shift towards inclusive scientific practices in high-energy astrophysics.

Within the operational ecosystem of the CTAO, the central organization will focus on the comprehensive construction and operational phases of the observatory, ensuring smooth collaboration with multiple global partners for hardware and software development. The inclusion of a diverse range of in-kind contributions will play a pivotal role in the observatory’s scientific exploitation, driving forward the mission of the CTAO in unraveling the mysteries of our universe.

In conclusion, the establishment of the CTAO ERIC stands as a pivotal moment in the field of astrophysics, promising to accelerate advancements in gamma-ray astronomy through collaborative international efforts and cutting-edge technology. This landmark initiative not only enhances Europe’s role in global science but also serves as a catalyst for cosmic exploration, pushing the boundaries of what we know about the universe and the fundamental forces that govern it.

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