1、Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy,Presentation to Subaru Users Committee,What is AURA?,AURA is a consortium of universities founded in 1957 The mission of AURA is to establish and operate public observatories AURA membership now includes 33 U.S. institutions and 7 international i
2、nstitutions. AURA now manages four major observatories National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) National Solar Observatory (NSO) Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) Gemini,AURA Growth,Beginnings,“have not” universities,AURA becomes Policy voice,AURA takes on Hubble Space Telescope,Gemini
3、era,Increased International Linkages,AURA Members: International,Universidad de Chile1992 Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile1997 Australian National University1999 Leiden University2000 University of Toronto-2004 Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias2005 Kiepenheuer-Institut fur Sonnenphysik200
4、5,Why Be An AURA Member Role=Voice,Part of a very active network for communication and interaction and discussion of major policy issues. Role in guiding AURA and hence whatever AURA does to affect future directions in astronomy. Direct role in management of AURA centers through the AURA Board and M
5、anagement Councils.,Why Does AURA Want International Affiliates?,AURA has always included international participants on its Board and other governance At least two of our twelve Board Members must be international We view international collaborations as one way to meet US community needs. We believe
6、 that international collaborations need to be based on strong ties at the university community level.,Membership Guidelines,We emphasize links at the university level, rather than governmental entities per se Faculty of 5, generate at least a PhD per year Involvement in AURA programs and mission, e.
7、g. Service on councils, Board Publications based on use of AURA facilities,Some Current AURA Interests,Large Synoptic Survey Telescope: AURA is a partner, LSST site in Chile Giant Segmented Mirror Telescope: AURA is the overall “Program Manager” to advise NSF on implementation: TMT, GMT, Internation
8、al Advanced Technology Solar Telescope: AURA is manager and operator National Virtual Observatory: AURA and AUI will form a joint management corporation James Webb Space Telescope: AURA will manage science operations,A Brief Look at Japanese Institutions and AURA: NOAO,Over the past 5 years (semeste
9、rs 2003B-2008A) we have received 139 proposals with P-Is or Co-Is from Japanese institutions. 50 of these have been successful and gotten time. Within these 139 proposals, there are 118 different astronomers, from 24 different Japanese institutions.,A Brief Look at Japanese Institutions and AURA: NS
10、O,Traditionally have long term Japanese visiting scientists at NSO Dunn Solar Telescopes and SOLIS are providing collaborative data for the Hinode mission. AURA is interested in collaboration on the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope, now in planning.,A Brief Look at Japanese Institutions and AURA:
11、 STScI,No Japanese PIs for HST time. We would like to include Japanese members on our upcoming Time Allocation Committee,A Brief Look at Japanese Institutions and AURA: Gemini,Collaboration among MK Observatories is inherently productive. 5 nights per semester time exchange WFMOS is an ideal (but ch
12、allenging) collaborative project.,Conclusion,We would like to consider a Japanese member institution for AURA For further information go to http:/www.aura-astronomy.org/,Backup,AURA Governance,Member Representatives,Elect Board, elect Management Council slates. Maintain strong linkage to academia Br
13、oaden AURAs role and viewpoint Forum for raising major concerns and policy issues,Membership Guidelines,The applicant institution should demonstrate that it has been successful in promoting astronomy in its own institution as evidenced by the quality, scope, and effectiveness of its astronomy progra
14、m with these guidelines: a. All Applicants i. A staff of five or more faculty or equivalent; and ii. A research program that, on assessment of its quality and effectiveness, would place the applicant among the ranking of current AURA members. b. Universities i. A graduate program leading to a doctor
15、ate in astronomy, astrophysics, or related studies; and ii. An average of one or more doctorates awarded per year over a five-year period. c. Other Nonprofit Institutions (e.g. Carnegie Observatory) i. Significant contributions to astronomical research through the operation of facilities or sites or
16、 through other means; and ii. Programs to promote astronomy, for example, through public or private education.,Member Guidelines, Cont.,The applicant institution should have demonstrated an involvement in AURAs role and mission in astronomy through: a. Publications by faculty or staff, and, if appli
17、cable, by students based upon data gathered at AURA facilities; and b. Service by faculty or staff on AURAs Board of Directors or on AURA Centers advisory or review committees, such as visiting, users, telescope time allocation, etc.,International Members,Up to 20% of AURA membership can be internat
18、ional International members serve three year terms up to a total of nine years. AURA wants to make sure we sample different segments of the community,AURA Members: US,Boston University1993 Caltech1972 Carnegie Institution1997 Harvard1957 Indiana University1957 Iowa State1992 Johns Hopkins1982 MIT198
19、1 Michigan State1997 Montana State2005 New Mexico State U.1999 Ohio State U1957 Penn State U1990 Princeton1959 Rutgers U-1999 SUNY-Stonybrook-1986 University of Arizona-1972,U. Cal Berkeley2007 U. Cal Santa Cruz1957 University of Chicago1957 University of Colorado1977 University of Florida2002 Unive
20、rsity of Hawaii1978 University of Illinois1980 University of Maryland1986 University of Michigan1957 University of Minnesota1995 University of North Carolina1995 University of Texas1972 University of Virginia2003 University of Washington1986 University of Wisconsin1957 Yale University-1958,AURA Mana
21、gement,AURA Board,All authority flows from the AURA Board Restructured in 1996 to ensure a more efficient, conflict-free body. 12 elected members At least 4 Member Representatives 4 not Member Representatives 2 from non-US institutions Management Council Chairs President,Board Responsibilities,Maint
22、ains financial authority Approve budget Approve proposals Approve contracts Elects members of Management Councils Appoints President, Center Directors, and other top managers. Establishes policy,Management Councils,Dual role of advocating the mission of the AURA Center and conducting oversight Subsi
23、diary body of AURA Board with delegated responsibilities for selecting staff, approving tenure, reviewing program plans, reviewing proposals, etc. Acquires in depth knowledge of the program Mix of AURA and non-AURA related members Acts as a conduit for bringing new ideas to the program,AURA Impact,M
24、ajor operator of US public observatories and proponent of public astronomy Active forum for addressing major policy issues for the community Strong international linkages and proponent of international collaboration Enabler of major community activities (e.g. workshops, science working groups, etc.)
25、 Direct influence on policy process and funding issues with the agencies, OMB, Congress, etc.,Giant Segmented Mirror Telescope,As a result of the SR, AURA (and hence Gemini) will not be directly involved in any GSMT project. AURA to act as “National Program Manager” AURA defines role as: Providing a
26、ccess to extremely large telescopes during the JWST era, at a sufficient number of nights to meet community needs Providing direct support for operations that will ensure the efficient and effective use by community observers Ensuring that supporting facilities (the ensemble of telescopes comprising
27、 the US system) make it possible for investigators at all institutions to plan and execute programs on extremely large telescopes.,Nominating Committee,Elected by the Member Representatives at the Annual Meeting. Consists of five individuals from Member Institutions. Prepares slate of candidates for
28、: Board of Directors Chair of the Board Chairs and Members of the Management Councils,Membership Committee,Identifies and recommends new member institutions for corporate membership Advise on issues of current membership,Policy and Personnel Committee,Review major policy issues and make recommendations at the request of the Chair (e.g. tenure policy, diversity, compensation and pay, etc.) Approve policy manual changes as needed,Comparable Organizations,
