Strategic Scientific Plan for Gemini in the 2030s — Virtual Town Halls and Call for Community Papers

The International Gemini Observatory has initiated the process of formulating its long-range strategy for the next decade, and we are seeking broad feedback from both our users and the astronomy community at large. 

 The forthcoming formulation of Gemini’s Strategic Vision is an opportunity to set the path for planning and building the capabilities that Gemini’s community will use in the next decade and beyond, while preparing the infrastructure to establish successful synergies with the new observatories that will begin operating at the end of this decade. 

To hear what are the scientific areas that the community of Gemini’s users and the astronomical community intend to pursue beyond 2030, we will open a call for Community Papers on 30 May 2024. In preparation for the call we extend an invitation to all members of the astronomical community, including students and scientists at various career stages, whether frequent Gemini users or those who have never utilized Gemini's resources, to participate in one (or all) of our virtual Town Halls. These sessions will provide you a platform to learn more about Gemini’s current and upcoming capabilities, to engage directly with the Gemini Observatory, and share your vision and recommendations with us.

• The first Town Hall is scheduled for 21 May 2024, at 8 a.m. HST/11 a.m. MST/2 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. CLT via Zoom.
• The subsequent Town Hall will take place on 23 May 2024, at 3 p.m. HST/6 p.m. MST/9 p.m. EDT/9 p.m. CLT via Zoom.

These discussions and the Community Papers will complement the findings of the Gemini Strategic Vision Community survey conducted in January 2024, informing the development of the Strategic Scientific Plan for Gemini Observatory throughout the 2020s in collaboration with our National Partners and NOIRLab. Updates on the Call for the Community Papers and the link for the Town Halls sessions will be posted on the Gemini Strategic Planning webpage.