The Institut National des Sciences de l’Univers du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique acts on behalf of the 25 consortium Partner. CNRS/INSU has proven its record in managing, constructing and delivering of major astronomical instruments, and leads the MOSAIC Institutional board, which is the decision-making body of MOSAIC. The PI institute is located at LAM, France, with LUX-Observatoire de Paris, France, as co-PI Institute. The Project Office (PO), led by the Project Manager, is in charge of managing the project on a daily basis. High-level scientific and managerial decisions are taken within the MOSAIC Board, in which all Partners are represented.

Partners short description

A short description of all partners is given below. Their role and involvement in the project are summarized in the organization chart.

LAM (Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille): LAM is a space laboratory and its main science theme is on galaxy formation and evolution and cosmology. LAM technical skills in instrument development are in optics & mechanics from design to AIT/V, system engineering, project management, product assurance. LAM also hosts a data center (CeSAM) and a team from ONERA. LAM has participated to the Herschel, Rosetta, GALEX, SOHO and CoRoT space missions, and is leading the development of the NISP instrument for the Euclid mission. LAM has developed the VIMOS & IRDIS/SPHERE instruments for the VLT and is participating to the PFS (Subaru) and DESI projects.

LUX (Laboratoire d’étude de l’Univers et des phénomènes eXtrêmes) : LUX (Laboratoire Univers et Extragalaxies) is a research laboratory affiliated with the Observatoire de Paris – PSL created on Jan. 2025, and focusing on a wide range of astrophysics topics, particularly the study of extreme phenomena and processes at (extra)galactic scales. The laboratory actively participates in the design and operation of major ground-based and space-based observational instruments, including ELT/MOSAIC, VLT/MOONS, SKA, CTA, and SVOM. LUX also emphasizes the development of next-generation detectors, numerical simulations, and data analysis to advance our understanding of the universe.

UNIDIA (Unité d'Ingénierie et de Développements Instrumentaux pour l'Astrophysique): UNIDIA is a scientific and technical support service of the Observatoire de Paris-PSL and the CNRS established on January 1, 2025. UNIDIA serves as a shared resource, collaborating on major instrumental projects across the Paris Observatory laboratories to prepare for future astrophysics advancements. Located at the Meudon site of the Observatoire de Paris-PSL, UNIDIA gathers advanced skills on Instrumental Engineering, Scientific and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Technical fabrication, and quality insurance.

IRAP (Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie): IRAP realized the Fore-Optics opto-mechanical structure and was a major contributor to the control hardware and software of the VLT-MUSE instrument. IRAP is also currently involved in the development of MUSE data analysis softwares.

UK ATC (UK Astronomy Technology Centre): UK ATC is well known both for leading and integrating large projects (such as KMOS for VLT, SUBA2 for the JCMT, Michelle for UKIRT) and for contributing sub-assemblies to projects (such as the IFUs for MIRI, pick off arms for KMOS, spectrometer for Michelle). All the required engineering and science disciplines are available for supporting the MOSAIC project.

CfAI (Centre for Advanced Instrumentation): Durham University is involved in the ICOS and SOSC packages. Durham will also host the deputy System Engineer in charge of AO as well as the deputy System Engineer in charge of the ‘End to End’ mechanical Design. CfAI is composed of around 25 science and 15 technical staff plus 15 PhD students and has a large instrument AIT facility, clean rooms, fully equipped testing labs and workshops. The expertise of CfAI is mostly in Adaptive Optics and Spectroscopy. Recently CfAI have led or had a major involvement in the KMOS near-IR multi-object spectrograph, the DESI fibre system workpackage and the High Resolution Spectrograph for SALT. In Adaptive Optics the latest projects include CANARY the on-sky testbed for AO for the E-ELT and the SPARTA real-time control system and High Order Testbench for ESO.

Oxford and RALSpace will be mainly involved in the POS (Positioning unit) WP. They have strong links in ground-based instrumentation with shared experience on delivering instruments for imaging (VISTA-VIRCAM), multi-object spectroscopy (FMOS, KMOS, WEAVE and HARMONI) and the systems engineering and integration (at RAL) of large cryogenic and space facilities (VISTA-VIRCAM, ALMA FEIC, Herschel-SPIRE, JWST MIRI). Oxford staff have had critical involvement in fibre spectroscopy and positioning systems for AUTOFIB/AF2, 2dF, FMOS-Echidna, HETDEX, MaNGA and WEAVE, and have made substantial contributions to the Phase A design studies for MUSE, WFMOS, OPTIMOS-EVE, GYES and 4MOST).

Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) : UCM is one of Spain's most prestigious institutions, offering a strong focus on astronomy and astrophysics through its Faculty of Physical Sciences. UCM provides a variety of programs, including bachelor’s degrees in physics, master’s degrees in astrophysics and related fields, and doctoral programs in physics and astrophysics.

Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA) : The Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) is a leading Spanish astrophysics center established in 1975, renowned for its theoretical and observational research in planetary science, exoplanets, stellar physics, and supermassive black holes. For this wide scientific and technological trajectory, it has been recently awarded for the second time the "Severo Ochoa Mention of Excellence". The institute develops cutting-edge instrumentation for major projects including CARMENES (exoplanet detection) and the Event Horizon Telescope (black hole imaging). It plays key roles in next-generation facilities like the Square Kilometre Array (SKAO), European Solar Telescope (EST),  Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTAO), and the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). Additionally, the institute also participates scientifically and technologically in numerous current space missions (JUICE, BepiColombo, SUNRISE III, Solar Orbiter, EXOMARS, etc.) as well as future missions (VIGIL, Comet Interceptor, PLATO, EnVision, DUSTER, CAIRT, etc.). It also contributes to the development of cutting-edge instrumentation for ground-based observatories, including ANDES and MOSAIC for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), CARMENES, PANIC and TARSIS for the Calar Alto Observatory (CAHA), and MEGARA and MAAT for the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC).

Centro de Astrobiología (CAB): the CAB is a  research institution dedicated to the study of astrobiology, the interdisciplinary field that explores the origin, evolution, and potential for life in the universe. It was founded in 1999 and operates as a joint center between the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA). CAB collaborates with international space agencies, including NASA and ESA, and is an associated center of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute (NAI). Its research covers diverse topics such as planetary habitability, extremophiles (organisms that survive in extreme conditions), and the search for biosignatures on Mars and other celestial bodies. The center is involved in major space missions, such as NASA’s Perseverance rover (Mars 2020) and ESA’s ExoMars program, contributing to the development of scientific instruments and experiments for astrobiology research. CAB also plays a crucial role in analyzing data from space missions and simulating extraterrestrial environments on Earth to better understand life’s adaptability beyond our planet.

NOVA is the Netherlands research school for astronomy. This is a federation of all astronomy institutes at the universities in the Netherlands, that coordinates education, research and instrumentation efforts. NOVA also functions as the national home base for ESO and runs the optical-infrared (O/IR) instrumentation group. The O/IR group has been involved in the design, development and realization of numerous instruments including MIDI and MATISSE for the VLTI, XShooter, VISIR, SINFONI and SPHERE-ZIMPOL for the VLT, and WEAVE for the William Herschel Telescope. NOVA is the PI institute for the METIS instrument on the E-ELT, and is also involved in the development of MICADO & EPICS.

AIP (Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam) has more than 20 years of experience with the development of astronomical instrumentation, many of them with optical fibre systems for high-resolution, integral-field and multi-object spectroscopy. Since 2008, the institute hosts innoFSPEC-Potsdam, the Centre for Innovation Competence for of fibre spectroscopy and sensing. The centre provides state-of-the-art labs for fibre assembly, testing, application and astrophotonics research. Successful R&D projects of the AIP include PMAS at Calar Alto (PI) + CALIFA survey, RAVE + survey (PI), VIRUS + HETDEX survey, MUSE for the ESO-VLT, PEPSI for the LBT and 4MOST for the ESO-VISTA (PI).

LSW Heidelberg (Landessternwarte Königstuhl) is active in the fields of stellar and extragalactic astrophysics. It is involved in the development and building of the Lucifer-spectrograph for the near infrared at the Large Binocular Telescope. In the domain of high-energy astrophysics the LSW participates in the H.E.S.S.-telescope in Namibia. Special emphasis is taken on active galaxies and quasars, a field of research which is also supported by optical observations. The stellar astrophysics groups at LSW are concerned with cool and hot stars as well as with wide-angle sky surveys for the oldest stars in the Milky Way. The technique of interferometry is developed for ESO telescopes (VLTI) and used especially for the search of extra-solar planets.

University of Michigan: The University of Michigan's Department of Astronomy has been a leader in astronomy and astrophysics since its establishment in 1854 with the Detroit Observatory. The department emphasizes a supportive and inclusive environment, aiming to train future astronomers and share the wonders of the Universe with the public. Research areas include cosmology, extragalactic and galactic astronomy, extreme astrophysics, and studies of stars and exoplanets, employing observational, theoretical, and computational methods. The department operates several observatories, such as the MDM Observatory on Kitt Peak, Arizona, and collaborates on international projects like the Extremely Large Telescope.

University of Sao Paolo: The Department of Astronomy at the Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences (IAG), University of São Paulo (USP), is dedicated to the study of celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere. It is involved in both theoretical and observational astrophysics research. Research at the department covers various areas, including stellar astrophysics, galactic structure, extragalactic astronomy, and cosmology. The department is equipped with modern observatories and has strong ties to national and international collaborations in astrophysical research. The faculty members actively contribute to the development of new methods for astronomical observations and data analysis.

Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica (LNA): LNA is a Brazilian research institution under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. It is dedicated to astrophysical research and operates large observatories, such as the Observatório do Pico dos Dias in Brazil. The LNA's primary focus is on advancing research in astronomy and astrophysics, particularly through the development of astronomical instrumentation, conducting observational campaigns, and collaborating with international research efforts.

Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA): FINCA is a research center that connects Finnish astrophysicists and astronomers with the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Located in Turku, Finland, FINCA focuses on conducting high-level research in astronomy and astrophysics, with an emphasis on areas such as star formation, galaxy evolution, and observational techniques.

Université de Genève: The Department of Astronomy at the University of Geneva is a leading research institution in Switzerland focused on astrophysics, cosmology, and the study of the universe. The department is renowned for its expertise in stellar physics, exoplanets, galaxy evolution, and observational cosmology. It plays a key role in various international collaborations, such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program.

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne : The Astrophysics Laboratory (LASTRO) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland focuses on observational cosmology, gravitational lensing, the Euclid mission, and the study of galaxies hosting quasars and black holes. Established in 2004, LASTRO conducts research on galaxy formation and evolution in both the near and distant universe, as well as stellar populations in nearby galaxies.

Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF) : INAF is the leading Italian research institution dedicated to the study of astrophysics and cosmology. INAF is involved in a wide range of research topics, including the study of the formation and evolution of the universe, galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. It operates several advanced observatories and telescopes, both in Italy and internationally, and it collaborates with various space missions and scientific projects. The institute plays a central role in Italy’s contributions to major international astrophysical research initiatives, such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and ESA space missions.

Stockholm University: The Department of Astronomy at the University of Stockholm is part of the AlbaNova Center and focuses on various areas of astronomy and astrophysics. It collaborates internationally and is linked to the Institute for Solar Physics. The department also oversees the historic Stockholm Observatory and is connected to the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (NORDITA).

Lund University: Lund University’s Lund Observatory in Sweden, established in 1867, is one of the country’s oldest and most prominent centers for astrophysical research. The observatory’s research spans a wide range of topics, including galaxy formation and evolution, exoplanet research, high-energy astrophysics, star clusters, astrometry, and laboratory astrophysics. The observatory supports a variety of research instruments and facilities, enabling students and researchers to explore cutting-edge astrophysical phenomena.

Uppsala University: The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University in Sweden is one of the country's oldest and most renowned astronomy research centers. It is home to the historic Uppsala Astronomical Observatory, founded in 1741, and the Kvistaberg Observatory, which discovered hundreds of minor planets. The department conducts research in areas such as stellar parallax, stellar statistics, galactic structure, external galaxies, and solar system exploration. It also contributes to global astronomical knowledge and offers a collaborative environment for both education and research.

Centro de Investigação em Astronomia/Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (CIAA-UP): CIAA-UP is a prominent research center at the University of Porto that focuses on astronomy and astrophysics. The center conducts research in several key areas of astrophysics, including stellar evolution, galactic dynamics, exoplanet studies, and cosmology. CIAA-UP is involved in both theoretical and observational astronomy, collaborating with international research institutions and participating in global scientific projects. It operates various research programs and is actively engaged in the development of astronomical instruments, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of astrophysics.

Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências (FCiências.ID): FCiências.ID supports cutting-edge research in both observational and theoretical astronomy, contributing to global space missions and projects. The association also emphasizes the development of advanced astronomical instruments and technologies, collaborating with international observatories and space agencies to enhance scientific understanding of the universe.

University of Vienna: The University of Vienna offers strong programs in astronomy and astrophysics through its Institute of Astronomy. The university provides bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in these fields, covering various aspects of space and celestial research. The university also operates the Vienna Observatory, which is used for both research and education.

Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA): ISTA is a research institution located in Klosterneuburg, near Vienna. It focuses on cutting-edge research in various scientific fields, including physics, mathematics, computer science, and biology. In the field of astronomy and astrophysics, ISTA conducts interdisciplinary research, collaborating with international institutions and offering state-of-the-art facilities for scientific exploration. The institute provides education and training through its graduate programs, attracting students and researchers from around the world to engage in advanced studies and groundbreaking discoveries.

European Southern Observatory (ESO): ESO is an intergovernmental research organization dedicated to astronomy. Founded in 1962, ESO is an alliance of 16 member states, primarily based in Europe. ESO operates some of the most advanced ground-based telescopes in the world, located at high-altitude sites in Chile, including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). ESO's primary mission is to provide cutting-edge research in astrophysics and offer world-class observatory facilities to astronomers worldwide. It also plays a key role in developing new technologies for astronomical instruments and works on large-scale projects to study the cosmos, from exoplanets to the early universe. ESO also contributes to public outreach and science education to inspire the next generation of astronomers.