Mandate and terms of reference
The GAC has the important mandate of providing expert opinion on the observational segment of astronomical and astrophysical research performed from the ground. The GAC will reflect on all observational facilities whatever the wavelength observed from the ground and will be composed of eight members. Hence the GAC will:
- Work on behalf of the CASCA Board to assess opportunities for participation in major projects, identifying any gaps in facility or instrument capability;
- Advise the CASCA Board on matters of priority and areas of research while keeping the Board updated on the ongoing development, the evolution and the activities of the communities they represent;
- Express the concerns of the scientific community they represent, recognizing the diversity of approaches;
- Provide strategic guidance to the Board and the astronomical community in general and specifically for the Long Range Plan and the Coalition for Canadian Astronomy;
- Be ready to respond to special requests from the CASCA Board;
- Provide a report of activities and issues once a year to the Board in advance of the CASCA AGM. The Board may request an interim report if the need arises. The report will include: current members and term, suggestions for new members and/or chair, brief report of activities, any issues, questions, recommendations or requested actions for the Board.
News and Statements from the GAC:
- Summary of Canadian ground-based capabilities, vulnerabilities, and possible alternatives (compiled Dec. 2025)
- GAC report to 2025 MTR: GAC Report to MTR
- Update on the VLOT Landscope – GAC Tiger-Team Report (posted June 14, 2023, report completed June 8, 2022)
- The GAC has recently been reorganised, and is having internal discussions and setting up small internal teams covering different topics in order to be able to offer advice to CASCA. The GAC is currently investigating the impact of the US decadal review in many areas of ground-based astronomy, including VLOT access (in collaboration with CATAC), and wide-field spectroscopic facilities. (Dec. 2021)
- Statement Regarding CFHT’s Future (April 30, 2013)
- General Guidelines for the Future of CFHT (December 4, 2012)
- Statement Regarding JCMT’s Future (August 15, 2012)
Archived reports:
GAC Report to CASCA Board, December 2025
GAC Report to CASCA Board, May 2025
May 2024
Dec 2023
May 2023
Dec 2022
May 2022
Dec 2021
May 2021
Dec 2020
May 2020
Dec 2019
June 2019
Dec 2018
May 2018
Dec 2017
May 2017
Dec 2016
May 2016
May 2015
June 2014 (revised)
Jan 2014
May 2013
Dec 2012
Jun 2012
Dec 2011
May 2011
May 2010