Mandate

NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (NRC-HIA) executes NRC's Parliamentary mandate to "operate and administer any astronomical observatories established or maintained by the Government of Canada" (NRC Act, R.S., c. N-15, s. 5.1(m), 1989).

In general terms, NRC-HIA advances humanity's fundamental knowledge of the Universe and contributes to the economic strength of Canada by:

• providing Canadian scientists with access to leading astronomical observatories and other research facilities, such access being open to all astronomers, based on peer-reviewed scientific merit without regard to the researcher's home institution
• developing innovative scientific instruments and software tools for these facilities
• planning and developing future telescope projects appropriate for the needs of the Canadian research community
• transferring expertise to universities and to industry in Canada
• educating and informing the general public about astronomy in response to their strong interest in the subject
• carrying out astrophysical research