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ING Annual Report 1997
Previous: Foreword | Up: Table of Contents | Next: Chapter 1 - Scientific HighlightsIntroduction
[ JPEG | TIFF ] The year 1997 has been a very busy and exciting year at the observatory, with various important discoveries, and enhancements of the instrument suit. This annual report presents an overview of the most important aspects.
The productivity of the telescopes in terms of publication counts has again been very high, totalling 225 papers in refereed journals. The commitment of staff and very high quality of research projects carried out at the telescopes has led to many exciting discoveries. A small selection of scientific highlights are presented in this report, but I would like to mention one specifically, which is the discovery of the first optical counterpart of a gamma-ray burster, which was based on data obtained on the William Herschel Telescope and the Isaac Newton Telescope. This discovery is an exquisite example of how motivation and dedication of researchers, and coordination of various ground based and space facilities may lead to exciting new results.
In November the former Director, Dr Steve Unger left the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, and continued his career in the commercial sector in the United Kingdom. Dr Unger guided the ING through very difficult years where the observatory faced a severe reduction in funding while at the same time the service to the community and productivity of the telescopes had to be improved. The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council itself was facing important changes as well, and the Royal Observatories were being restructured. In spite of these unfavourable external factors Dr Unger was highly successful in building up ING as a strong and effective observatory, delivering a first-class service to the astronomical community. As the new Director I am fortunate in being able to build upon the foundations that Steve laid down.
Another important highlight was the signing of the agreement under which the University of Porto in Portugal became a full member of the international partnership of the Isaac Newton Group. I welcome our new partner, and look forward to a strong and productive collaboration.
Last but not least, this annual report pays tribute to all those active researchers who visited the observatory and exploited ING's facilities to further our knowledge of the universe, and to the staff at the ING on who's continuing efforts and enthusiasm the observatory flourishes.
Dr René Rutten, Director of ING
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