Aims and Objectives

The Review Panel also commented on the strategic objectives of the RCfTA. The original proposal for a Special Research Centre in astrophysics at the University of Sydney involved establishing a theoretical astrophysics group, and combining theoretical and observational astronomy by linking that theory group with the two groups in the School of Physics that undertake observational astrophysics research: the Chatterton Astronomy Department and the Astrophysics Department. The strategic objectives of the original proposal reflected this mix.

Some of the objectives of the original proposal are now inappropriate for the Research Centre as only the theoretical part of the proposal was funded. A restatement of the aims and objectives has been discussed with the newly-constituted Advisory Board. A preliminary version of the revised Aims and Objectives is as follows:

• To undertake research in theoretical astrophysics with special emphasis on areas of relevance to Australian observational astronomy.
• To foster close links between theoretical and observational astrophysics nationally and internationally by such means as joint appointments, visitor programs, workshops and collaborative research projects.
• To provide research training in theoretical astrophysics at the postgraduate and post-doctoral level.