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Mission

Through the development of leading instrumentation,

• Fullfill the scientific aspirations of RSAA astronomers
• Provide infrastructure for facilities to which Australia has access
• Train outstanding instrumentalists

The mission of the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) derives from the strategic goals of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) as described in RSAA Strategic Plan: 2003-2007, which in turn derives from the strategic plan of the Australian National University, ANU to 2005 Preparing Ourselves.

The RSAA strategic plan can be found here.

The ANU strategic plan can be found here.

Key Objectives

The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics has identified Key Objectives for the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre that support this mission.

• Advance the experimental and theoretical frontiers of technologies that enable astronomical discoveries
• Position the RSAA Technical Section to provide national and international leadership
• Foster excellence and breadth in our staff
• Increase the world-wide visibility of the RSAA Technical Section
• Maintain and grow our astronomical engineering capability
• Diversify our funding base to increase stability and flexibility
• Sustain the operation of the RSAA Technical Section
• Develop programs that train outstanding instrumentalists

Actions

The following Actions will achieve the Key Objectives of the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre:

Advance the experimental and theoretical frontiers of technologies that enable astronomical discoveries	Actions: Conduct research and development of strategic technologies Maintain a watching brief on critical developing technologies Identify and develop enabling technologies for the most scientifically useful future facilities
Position the RSAA Technical Section to provide national and international leadership	Actions: Maximize the productivity of facilities at Siding Spring Observatory Provide the scientific capabilities required by Australian astronomers on the telescopes to which they have access Strengthen collaborative ties with national instrumentation centres Foster strategic partnerships with industry
Foster excellence and breadth in our staff	Actions: Expect and encourage staff to accept responsibility and authority Actively encourage staff training and development Implement effective mentoring programs Recognise and foster diverse talents and styles Actively embrace equity and EEO principles Actively recruit staff with suitable qualities
Increase the world-wide visibility of the RSAA Technical Section	Actions: Participate in the development of major national and international facilities Involve engineering staff in the academic enterprise of the School Make RSAA technical capabilities readily accessible to the international community
Maintain and grow our astronomical engineering capability	Actions: Establish the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre Maintain a broad range of core skills Adapt staffing to react to project requirements Emphasize RSAA-led School, national, and international projects Develop strategic astronomical technologies in collaboration with non-astronomical partners
Diversify our funding base to increase stability and flexibility	Actions: Monitor and increase IGS, RIBG, and RTS returns Set aside overhead funds to be used for new initiatives Seek external funds for internal projects Foster industry participation in funding requests Explore philanthropic sources
Sustain the operation of the RSAA Technical Section	Actions: Critically review and improve managerial structures Implement procedures for optimal selection and execution of projects Maintain RSAA project contingency funds Budget for infrastructure depreciation
Develop programs that train outstanding instrumentalists	Actions: Establish an Astronomical Instrumentation PhD program Enhance graduate training links with other sections of ANU Seek industry participation in the RSAA graduate training program Investigate technical apprenticeships Train technical staff in advanced skills

The full strategic plan for the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre can be found here.

An implementation plan for the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre strategic plan can be found here (password required).