Australian companies are now eligible to bid for contracts on ESO’s astronomy program

Australian companies will be able to bid for work on the European Southern Observatory (ESO) technology development program, the federal government said.

ESO is an international astronomy research program, hosted by Chile and with 16 member states. Australia signed on as a strategic partner in 2017 for ten years.

The federal government announced Thursday that a new amendment to this partnership agreement will allow Australian organizations to bid for contracts.

According to the release, ESO’s technology development program invests $1.5 million annually in competitive contracts, including for “new types of detectors, advanced optical coatings, and new laser sources.”

Science Minister Melissa Price said it would lead to “great business opportunities” for Australian companies, potentially extending “beyond the astronomy sector”.

“Australia’s advanced manufacturing and research capabilities will be enhanced through ESO’s technology development programme,” Price said.

“This new facet of our strategic partnership with ESO will enable our highly respected Australian institutions and companies to contribute to global innovation and develop new technologies.”

Photo: Miguel Claro/ESO

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