Preparatory Phase

As a first step, ESO will begin promoting and explaining the selection process to the wider astronomical community. To encourage dialogue and debate, ESO will also organise in-depth Science Vision and Disruptive Technologies workshops with scientists and engineers across its Member States and internationally. The goal of the workshops will be to identify the scientific challenges of the 2040s, as well as the technologies that could bring about a radical change in how we address them.

Call for Ideas

At this time, ESO will be open to proposals for its next programme. The call will launch in Q3 of 2026 and will remain open until 1 June 2027, but interested applicants will be required to first send a Letter of Intent before 1 December 2026.

Assessment Phase

Once the deadline for submitting proposals has passed, ESO’s Executive and a specially appointed Senior Science Committee of internationally recognised experts will begin the assessment phase. During this time, ESO will host dedicated community workshops to transparently share the most promising ideas that have been proposed.

Decision

The final decision will be presented to ESO’s Scientific Technical Committee and Finance Committee, and then examined for approval by ESO’s Council. The approval of a concept for the next programme does not indicate the programme’s beginning, as it will need to be followed by an early design study phase.