The exploitation and development of optical long baseline interferometry

The European Interferometry Initiative (Eii) is an open association of Institutes and Laboratories willing to collaborate in the exploitation and development of long baseline interferometry in optical/infrared astronomy. The Eii confederates the activities included in the European Commission instruments of the 6th, 7th and H2020 R&D program, including the most recent Optical/RadioNet Pilot Program. The current Eii activities are:

• The establishment of a network of VLTI expertise centres across Europe
• A joint research activity preparing for the third generation of VLTI instruments
• The Fizeau staff exchange programme
• The organisation of VLTI training summer schools and VLTI open days
  

Funding for the activities was obtained through the OPTICON/RadioNet Pilot Program (2021-2024; grant agreement 101004719), OPTICON - the Optical Infrared Co-ordination Network for astronomy - Horizon 2020 (2017-2020, grant agreement 730890), OPTICON FP7 II (2013-2016, grant agreement 312430), OPTICON FP7 (2009-2012, grant agreement 226604), ONTHEFRINGE (2006-2008: grant MSCF-CT-2005-029954) and OPTICON FP6 (2002-2006, RII3-Ct-2004-001566).

Acknowledgements

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 730890. This material reflects only the authors views and the Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.