Vision and Mission

The CAASTRO Vision

CAASTRO will be the international leader in wide-field astronomy, positioning Australia to address fundamental unsolved questions about the Universe with the dramatic capabilities of next-generation telescopes and advanced instrumentation.

Photo:  CAASTRO Chief Investigator meeting, August 2011

The CAASTRO Mission

CAASTRO will carry out key science with 21st century telescopes, culminating in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Our underlying goals are:

Discover: To make ground-making advances in our understanding of the Universe, thereby cementing Australia’s reputation as a world leader in astrophysical research;

Innovate: To develop innovative new ways of surveying the entire sky, of processing enormous volumes of astronomical measurements, and of visualising complex data sets, so as to build unique expertise in wide-field radio and optical astronomy;

Perform: To make high-impact discoveries using SKA pathfinder telescopes, thus positioning Australia to lead the science programmes planned for the SKA;

Educate: To provide compelling new opportunities for students and early-career researchers and exciting stories to inform the public; and

Unite: To bring the top astronomers from Australia and around the world together into a focused collaborative environment.