CAAUL
is a young and dynamic research Centre with a strong research activity
in three main scientific topics. At the "Origins and Evolution of Stars
and Planets" group, research focuses on star formation and the
interstellar medium, and the characterisation of the atmospheric
circulation of Venus and other planets. Modelling techniques are used,
together with observations from ESO telescopes and data from the ESA's
Venus Express mission. The "Galaxies and the Evolution of the Universe" group has a strong emphasis in observational studies of galactic
evolution using and contributing to the development of the deepest
astronomical surveys (e.g., GOODS, SERVS, ASKAP-EMU, WODAN),
observational studies of modified gravity and dark energy with
cosmological weak lensing, study of systematics in preparation of
upcoming weak lensing surveys (e.g. EUCLID) and theoretical cosmology
and gravitation (e.g., modified gravity, dark energy). Finally, the "Optical Instrumentation for Astrophysics" group, the portuguese
scientific group with the largest number of ESA projects, focus on
astronomical and space optical and laser instrumentation, encompassing
concept, simulation, project, integration and testing and data
processing, an activity largely supported by ESA (currently with PLATO,
GAIA, PROBA 3) and ESO (ESPRESSO, MOONS).
CAAUL
has a strong national and international role, with active
collaborations with institutions in over twelve countries. CAAUL also
plays a strong role in teaching, being involved in the graduate and
post-graduate education (BSc, MSc and PhD) in Astronomy and Astrophysics
at the University of Lisbon.