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Research

Research at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy addresses some of the major questions of astronomy: what is the nature of space and time? Are we alone? What are our cosmic origins? How are the most energetic explosions and particles in the universe powered? How did the Sun and Earth form? At our institute we focus on specific techniques and objects that we deem to be promising avenues for finding answers to the big questions.

Our research is interlinked with the strategy of Dutch Research School for Astronomy (NOVA) and with international astronomy roadmaps. Due to this collaboration we have access to leading observatories and excellent computing facilities. These facilities are necessary to handle the observational data flows and to do the extensive theoretical and modeling work.

Given the fast pace of present-day astronomy, our primary strategy to maintain high quality is the adage 'Top astronomy = top people + top instrumentation'. We are successful in attracting agile, excellent staff by providing them with colleagues of the same calibre and access to top facilities.