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 institutions. 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 era Increased International Linkages

AURA Members: International Universidad de Chile—1992 Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile— 1997 Australian National University—1999 Leiden University—2000 University of Toronto Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias—2005 Kiepenheuer-Institut fur Sonnenphysik— 2005

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 Management 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 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.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, International 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 (semesters 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: NSO 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: 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 challenging) collaborative project.

Conclusion We would like to consider a Japanese member institution for AURA For further information go to

Backup

AURA Governance AURA Board ______________ Elected by Member Representatives Observatory Council (Oversees NOAO) NOAO Visiting Committee Solar Observatory Council (Oversees NSO) NSO Visiting Committee Space Telescope Institute Council (Oversees STScI) Institute Visiting Committee AURA Oversight Committee for Gemini (Oversees Gemini) ACCORD AURA Coordinating Council of Observatory Research Directors AURA President Ex Officio Member Of Board and Councils

Member Representatives Elect Board, elect Management Council slates. Maintain strong linkage to academia Broaden AURA’s 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 program 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 doctorate 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 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 AURA's role and mission in astronomy through: a. Publications by faculty or staff, and, if applicable, by students based upon data gathered at AURA facilities; and b. Service by faculty or staff on AURA's 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 international 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 University—1993 Caltech—1972 Carnegie Institution—1997 Harvard—1957 Indiana University—1957 Iowa State—1992 Johns Hopkins—1982 MIT—1981 Michigan State—1997 Montana State—2005 New Mexico State U.—1999 Ohio State U—1957 Penn State U—1990 Princeton—1959 Rutgers U SUNY-Stonybrook University of Arizona U. Cal Berkeley—2007 U. Cal Santa Cruz—1957 University of Chicago—1957 University of Colorado—1977 University of Florida—2002 University of Hawaii—1978 University of Illinois—1980 University of Maryland—1986 University of Michigan—1957 University of Minnesota—1995 University of North Carolina—1995 University of Texas—1972 University of Virginia—2003 University of Washington—1986 University of Wisconsin—1957 Yale University--1958

AURA Management AURA Board AURA President NOAONSOSTScI Gemini (Also reports to Gemini Board)

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 Maintains 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 Subsidiary 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 Major 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.) 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 access 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 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: –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 OrganizationAURAUCARAUIURAUSRA Business Diversity Four major business units Two major business units One major business unit Two major business units 20 business units (varying sizes) Member Institutions 39 (some international) 69 (25 overlapping, some international) 0 (9 Founding Institutions, 6 overlapping) 90 (30 overlapping) 97 (26 overlapping, some international) Governing Board 16 Board Members 20 Trustees22 Trustees17 Trustees14 Trustees Staff~1000~1400~450~ Revenues~$160 M$190 M~$100 M$316 M?