University Radio Observatories (UROs)

NSF-funded University Radio Observatories (UROs) serve as centers for focussed scientific research and technical development in radio astronomy through the collaborative involvement of faculty, research engineers, and students. The emphasis of the program is to maintain a presence for radio astronomy in the university environment, in order to foster innovation and train upcoming generations of students in the field. UROs also provide research opportunities of scope and risk not typically available at the National Centers.

The URO program provides funding for telescope operations and for equipment development at existing facilities, and may support construction of new facilities. It also provides partial or full salary support for research faculty, engineers, and technicians; partial summer salary for teaching faculty; and stipend support for both graduate and undergraduate students.

URO awards are for three-year intervals, and are renewable. UROs fully funded by NSF provide the general astronomical community with access to between one-third and one-half of all telescope observing time. UROs also develop and maintain a strong program of student education and training in radio astronomy, and conduct public outreach activities appropriate to the location and nature of the facility.