MNRF Program Management and Background
The ATNF, together with co-proponents the University of Tasmania and the (then)
CSIRO Division of Radiophysics, lodged an initial funding submission under the
Major National Research Facilities Program scheme in November 1994. A final
proposal by the ATNF and the
University of Tasmania was submitted in January 1995. In November 1995, as part
of the Innovation
Statement, a number of National Facility Grants were announced,
amongst which the ATNF was awarded A$11M for this upgrade. Following notification
of the success of the application, a contract was signed between the Commonwealth,
CSIRO and the University of Tasmania on 19 February 1997. The contract covers
three major areas:
- an ATNF upgrade of its Compact Array radio telescope to operate at high
frequencies (corresponding to millimetre wavelengths), and an extension
of its very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) capabilities;
- a University of Tasmania expansion of its VLBI capabilities at radio observatories
in Hobart and Ceduna, and the operation of those observatories as national
facilities;
- a program to enhance international collaboration by developing links between
major astronomical research facilities in Australia and overseas. Proposals
for funding are assessed by the National Committee for Astronomy of the
Academy of Science. The ATNF has responsibility for the administration of
this program.
In addition to the major ATNF upgrades, the contract provides for the funding
of two small ATNF strategic research projects, purchase of test equipment by
both the ATNF and the University of Tasmania, program definition and project
management, and project manpower. The contract also specifies a number of milestones,
the principal dates being March 2000 and January 2002 for completion of the
VLBI and high-frequency upgrades.
Further Background Information:
Related Documents
Notes from MNRF meetings
Other related mm-information
The following material is dated and is included for historical reference
The ATNF MNRF Management Diagrams and Tables
[MNRF Page]
