Users Committee for NOIRLab (UCN)

NOIRLab observational facilities — including the Gemini Observatory, Rubin Observatory, Kitt Peak, and Cerro Tololo — are open-access ground-based optical and infrared (OIR) observatories serving the US community. NOIRLab aims to provide a comprehensive set of services to astronomers at all institutions across the US and our partner communities.

While individual NOIRLab programs have established their own focused Users Committees to address specific needs, the Users Committee for NOIRLab (UCN) will consider the overall service to the user community and provide feedback to enhance the facilities and services, ensuring they are responsive to community needs.

The UCN will pay close attention to updates from other Users Committees and Advisory Groups at NOIRLab, gather community input, and stay informed about NOIRLab operations, new modes, and relevant special topics. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues concerning telescope usage and data archives from multiple NOIRLab programs, as well as common user challenges across programs.

The UCN comprises 8 members plus the Committee Chair, all appointed by the NOIRLab Director. Its membership includes a diverse mix of experts with a balanced range of experience in NOIRLab's various programs. The term of service is 2 years, with a possible 3rd-year extension at the discretion of the NOIRLab Director to ensure continuity. The UCN Chair and members are recognized scientists with a demonstrated commitment to the NOIRLab community.

The UCN receives support from the entire NOIRLab. For more information, please contact Letizia Stanghellini, the UCN Convener, at letizia.stanghellini@noirlab.edu.

Additional Resources

Charter    Membership    Meetings    Reports