ASTRONOMICKY USTAV AV CR

Their core work

The Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a national research centre specializing in stellar physics, solar science, and near-Earth object observation. Based in Ondřejov, they study the physics of massive stars, stellar evolution, and solar phenomena using ground-based telescopes and advanced instrumentation. They also contribute to planetary defense efforts by characterizing near-Earth objects and supporting Europe's solar telescope infrastructure development.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 work (2017-2019) split between solar telescope infrastructure planning (PRE-EST) and fundamental stellar physics (POEMS), reflecting core strengths in observational astronomy. From 2020 onward, they broadened into applied domains — planetary defense with NEOROCKS and cross-disciplinary nuclear astrophysics infrastructure with ChETEC-INFRA — while maintaining solar physics engagement through SOLARNET. The trajectory shows a research institute expanding from pure astrophysics toward infrastructure-oriented and security-relevant applications of their observational capabilities.

Moving toward applied observational astronomy — planetary defense, space weather, and pan-European research infrastructure networks — while keeping deep roots in stellar and solar physics.

How they like to work

Primarily a participant (4 of 5 projects), but capable of leading when the topic aligns with their core stellar physics expertise, as shown by coordinating POEMS. They work in large European consortia — 86 unique partners across 29 countries from just 5 projects — indicating they integrate well into broad international networks rather than leading them. This makes them a reliable specialist contributor who brings specific observational and analytical capabilities to large collaborative efforts.

Remarkably wide network for a modest project count: 86 unique partners across 29 countries, reflecting participation in large pan-European research infrastructure and space-related consortia. Their reach spans nearly all of Europe with no narrow geographic bias.

What sets them apart

As a Czech Academy of Sciences institute, they bring decades of ground-based observational expertise that few Central European institutions can match. Their combination of stellar physics depth and growing planetary defense capability is unusual — most institutes specialize in one or the other. For consortium builders, they offer a credible Czech partner with strong international integration and the ability to contribute telescope time and observational data analysis.

Highlights from their portfolio

• POEMS
  Their only coordinated project and largest funding (EUR 547,400) — a Marie Skłodowska-Curie research exchange network on extreme massive star physics, signaling leadership in this niche.
• NEOROCKS
  Bridges astrophysics with planetary defense and security — an applied, high-visibility topic that demonstrates their observational capabilities serve real-world safety concerns.
• SOLARNET
  Part of the European Solar Telescope ecosystem, positioning them in one of Europe's flagship ground-based astronomy infrastructure programs.