A wide range of European operated telescopes at different locations, including the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT), are offering observing time to external users through the OPTICON¹ Trans-national Access Programme. This project is supported by the European Commission under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

User groups from EU Member States and Associated States², meeting EC criteria of eligibility, who are awarded observing time under this Access Programme via the standard peer-review selection process, will receive free access to the telescope/s concerned, as well as scientific and technical support to carry out the observations. EC funds are also available to cover travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. However, such funds are limited, and priority will be given to new users, young researchers, and users from countries with no similar research infrastructure.

To be eligible, both the user group leader and the majority (i.e. >50%) of the user group members must come from Member States or Associated States². Eligible users will be notified after the observing run is scheduled about this funding opportunity. Applications from new users, young researchers and users from countries with no similar research infrastructures are strongly encouraged.

The OPTICON Trans-national Access Programme encompasses a total of 20 European telescopes at a wide range of locations. Usual deadlines and application procedures for each telescope apply. Further information about this EC programme, criteria of eligibility, and the full list of participating telescopes and deadlines, is available at the following address: http://www.otri.iac.es/opticon/

Notes:

¹OPTICON: the Optical Infrared Coordination Network, is a major international project funded by the European Commission under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6); see www.astro-opticon.org.

²For the purpose of this EC Programme:

1. EU Member States are: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
2. Associated States are: Bulgaria, Croatia, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Norway, Romania, Switzerland and Turkey. Potential participants should confirm the exact situation of all these countries at the FP6 International Co-operation website.