177
The birth and spectacular development of astrophysics in Spain are strongly
associated with the IAC, which has wisely used the exceptional quality of the
Canarian Observatories to capitalize on the large international community
that uses them. It has also strategically extended its activities in a noteworthy
programme of technological development, maintaining a presence in the
most emblematic astrophysical projects of the day. What the IAC has yet to
achieve is the creation of an advanced technology base in the Canaries. We
have pinned our hopes on, and made huge sacrifices for, the creation
of IACTEC.
Without a doubt, the presence of the IAC in large consortia for the development of advanced scientific instrumentation for ground- and space-based
astrophysics, and the environment of international cooperation in which it
moves are IACTEC’s greatest assets, as well as being a palpable benefit for its
partners, both public and private.
To provide a broader picture of what has just been described, I draw the
reader’s attention to the IAC’s presence in such initiatives as the European
Optical Infrared Co-ordination Network for Astronomy (OPTICON); the
project to build the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) and its possible future instruments; instrumentation for the Very Large Telescope (VLT)
array; the Herschel, Planck, and Imax astronomical satellites; and participation
in many other initiatives, such as HELAS, ARENA, SOLAIRE, and
CONSTELLATION.
Neither should one forget the construction of the Gran Telescopio Canarias.
The prominent involvement of Spanish companies in the venture has increased
the confidence of these firms in the IAC. With such a favourable climate,
then, let us hope that the IACTEC venture finally pays off.
Many people are now convinced that the Canaries can no longer rely on a
socioeconomic model based on the monocultures of tourism and construction. Owing to the fragility of its territory and the potential that the technological world offers, the backing of activities of a distinctly technological
character, such as those related to advanced scientific instrumentation, presents an opportunity of success in an ever more globalized world.
IACTEC will centre its activities on the astrophysics, space, and medical
markets. The idea is to begin with a working model based on bilateral agreements between interested firms and the IAC for the development of specific
joint projects in these fields. The infrastructures and services of IACTEC will
be ready to meet the technological needs of such collaborations.
In the medium term, should these bilateral agreements evolve in a stable
manner, there will be the possibility of adopting a more robust legal structure
to enable IACTEC to streamline and augment the capabilities of the partner
17 Astronomical Instrumentation, Technology Transfer…
The birth and spectacular development of astrophysics in Spain are strongly
associated with the IAC, which has wisely used the exceptional quality of the
Canarian Observatories to capitalize on the large international community
that uses them. It has also strategically extended its activities in a noteworthy
programme of technological development, maintaining a presence in the
most emblematic astrophysical projects of the day. What the IAC has yet to
achieve is the creation of an advanced technology base in the Canaries. We
have pinned our hopes on, and made huge sacrifices for, the creation
of IACTEC.
Without a doubt, the presence of the IAC in large consortia for the development of advanced scientific instrumentation for ground- and space-based
astrophysics, and the environment of international cooperation in which it
moves are IACTEC’s greatest assets, as well as being a palpable benefit for its
partners, both public and private.
To provide a broader picture of what has just been described, I draw the
reader’s attention to the IAC’s presence in such initiatives as the European
Optical Infrared Co-ordination Network for Astronomy (OPTICON); the
project to build the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) and its possible future instruments; instrumentation for the Very Large Telescope (VLT)
array; the Herschel, Planck, and Imax astronomical satellites; and participation
in many other initiatives, such as HELAS, ARENA, SOLAIRE, and
CONSTELLATION.
Neither should one forget the construction of the Gran Telescopio Canarias.
The prominent involvement of Spanish companies in the venture has increased
the confidence of these firms in the IAC. With such a favourable climate,
then, let us hope that the IACTEC venture finally pays off.
Many people are now convinced that the Canaries can no longer rely on a
socioeconomic model based on the monocultures of tourism and construction. Owing to the fragility of its territory and the potential that the technological world offers, the backing of activities of a distinctly technological
character, such as those related to advanced scientific instrumentation, presents an opportunity of success in an ever more globalized world.
IACTEC will centre its activities on the astrophysics, space, and medical
markets. The idea is to begin with a working model based on bilateral agreements between interested firms and the IAC for the development of specific
joint projects in these fields. The infrastructures and services of IACTEC will
be ready to meet the technological needs of such collaborations.
In the medium term, should these bilateral agreements evolve in a stable
manner, there will be the possibility of adopting a more robust legal structure
to enable IACTEC to streamline and augment the capabilities of the partner
17 Astronomical Instrumentation, Technology Transfer…