Some of the important changes for Period 112 are summarised here:

• Joint VLT/I-ALMA proposals - For the first time, in P112, ESO is introducing a joint channel for scientific programmes requiring both VLT/I and ALMA observations. Consult the Period 112 document for details on how to apply for joint observations.

• From Period 112, ESO introduces the Extended configuration A0–B5–J2–J6, offering the longest baselines on the VLTI platform. It is offered for single-field operations with all instruments. Due to the redundancy with the Astrometric configuration, the current large configuration A0–G1–J2–J3 will no longer be offered. The current Astrometric configuration is renamed Large.

• HARPS/NIRPS time-sharing is available at the 3.6m telescope. Please consult the Period 112 document to check details on how to participate and set up the P1 system.

• Users requesting to use both NIRPS and HARPS should select NIRPS instrument in P1 and declare the intention of using both instruments in the Special Remarks field of the proposal. For already approved HARPS Normal and Large Programmes users wanting to use NIRPS, please contact Observing Programmes Office for approval using the ESO's ticketing system. Users should be aware that slightly larger overheads are expected when switching from HARPS alone to HARPS+NIRPS mode

• The installation and commissioning of SoXS  will start in Period 112. As a consequence, SOFI will be decommissioned and is not offered in P112. EFOSC2 is offered in P112, it is expected to be decommissioned during Period 112. The decommissioning date will be announced on the LPO News web page.

Relevant reminders:

• Since Period 110, ESO has been employing Distributed Peer Review (DPR) for proposals requesting a total time (including overheads) of less than 16 hours. Exceptions to this general rule are proposals including at least one ToO run, joint VLT/I-ALMA (XMM-Newton) and DDT proposals. All other proposals submitted for the regular cycle will be reviewed by the OPC and the panels. In this paradigm, PIs of proposals qualifying for DPR accept to review ten proposals submitted by their peers. Correspondingly, they accept that their proposals are reviewed by ten peers who have also submitted proposals in Period 112. Users should thus familiarize themselves with the DPR procedures

• Since Period 110, a new set of scientific keywords has replaced the OPC categories. Users must select at least two keywords and at most five keywords (ten for Large Programmes). The keywords must be selected in decreasing order of relevance (i.e., the first selected keyword is the most relevant). Users should also keep their scientific expertise keywords in their user profiles up to date.

• Applicants are reminded that the Dual-Anonymous Peer Review has been fully deployed since Period 108. Applicants must prepare their proposals following the anonymisation rules and examples.