Programme Description

ESO Summer Research Programme Content

The primary focus of the programme will be to complete a defined research project under the supervision of an ESO astronomer. The student will be expected to write a short report at the end of the programme. They will also present their results as a talk and poster at a mini-conference in the ESO Headquarters at the end of the programme. 

In addition to completing the research project, all students will participate in activities that develop their professional skills and allow them to integrate into ESO scientific life. This will include:

  • A series of lectures led by astronomers and engineers:
    (1) Introductions to ESO, its telescopes and instruments;
    (2) 4-6 lectures covering astronomy and technical topics.
  • Strong integration into ESO science activities e.g.,
    (1) Daily science coffee to meet other ESO astronomers;
    (2) Attending at least one science talk/seminar per week;
    (3) Attending the weekly journal club;
    (4) A visit to the Integration hall in the technical building;
    (5) A visit to the ESO Supernova Planetarium and Visitor Centre.
  • A mini-conference at ESO Headquarters in the last days to present a talk and a poster to the wider ESO staff.
 
If the COVID-19 pandemic does not allow an in-person visit (i.e. one or more of the accepted students are not able to travel to ESO Headquarters in Garching), the programme will be held virtually as it was done in 2020. In that case, the final mini-conference and all the activities will be conducted virtually. Some changes in the planned events might occurr in order to adapt the programme to a virtual format. Please, note that the schedule will be designed according to regular working hours in the Central European time zone.
 
 

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