Strategic Scientific, Methodological and Technological Priorities
Purpose
The Center for Astrophysics and Cosmology (CAC) conducts research aimed at understanding the Universe, its constituents, and the physical processes governing its evolution, with particular emphasis on high-energy and multi-messenger astrophysics.
CAC's research priorities are derived from its overarching scientific objectives and reflect its participation in major international research collaborations. They recognize the importance of developing advanced research methodologies and infrastructure while providing a framework for pursuing new research ideas.
New research initiatives are encouraged when they contribute to the scientific priorities outlined below or open promising research directions consistent with CAC's broader scientific mission. These priorities are intended to guide the coherent, long-term development of CAC's research programme while preserving scientific initiative and flexibility in responding to emerging opportunities.
Scientific priorities
Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and astroparticle physics
- Origin, acceleration, propagation, and mass composition of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs).
- Identification and characterization of astrophysical particle accelerators.
- Studies of particle interactions at extreme energies.
High-energy and very-high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics
- Galactic and extragalactic gamma-ray sources.
- Particle acceleration and radiation mechanisms in extreme astrophysical environments.
- Gamma-ray propagation and interactions with radiation fields.
Dark matter, cosmology, and fundamental physics
- Nature and distribution of dark matter, including searches for its indirect detection.
- Tests of fundamental physics using astrophysical and cosmological observations.
- Gravitational lensing, cosmic structure, and evolution of the Universe.
Transient and time-domain astrophysics
- Supernovae, tidal disruption events, gamma-ray bursts, and compact-object mergers.
- Physical mechanisms governing transient astrophysical phenomena.
- Evolution and properties of transient sources, including gravitationally lensed events.
Methodological and technological priorities
The following methodological and technological priorities support the scientific objectives outlined above and provide the foundation for their implementation.
Multi-messenger and multi-wavelength observational approaches
- Combining observations across the electromagnetic spectrum and different astrophysical messengers.
- Large-scale optical surveys, time-domain observations, and associated scientific exploitation of survey data.
- Coordinated multi-wavelength observations and follow-up campaigns.
- Joint analysis and interpretation of complementary observational datasets.
Theoretical modelling and numerical simulations
- Development and testing of theoretical models addressing the scientific priorities outlined above.
- Numerical simulations of relevant astrophysical processes.
- Prediction and interpretation of observational signatures.
Advanced data analysis, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing
- Machine learning and statistical inference.
- Large-scale astrophysical data processing.
- Development of scientific software and analysis pipelines.
Scientific instrumentation and research infrastructure
- Development, calibration, and operation of astronomical instrumentation.
- Atmospheric monitoring and characterization for astronomical observations.
- Development of computing and data infrastructure supporting astrophysical research.