The Ministry of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands has approved funding exceeding 6 million euros for the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC) during 2026, intended for both the development of its research activity and the strengthening of its infrastructures and technological capabilities.
The funding is channeled through the Canary Agency for Research, Innovation and Information Society (ACIISI), which plays a key role in promoting research, technological development, and innovation in the islands. Specifically, the Government of the Canary Islands has authorized a contribution of 5,350,000 euros for the ordinary operation of the Institute and another of 660,000 euros for investments in various strategic areas of the center.
The Minister of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture, Migdalia Machín, also highlighted that “from the Government of the Canary Islands, we continue to increase our investment effort in science and innovation because we consider them to be strategic areas for the development of the islands. In a context marked by the extension of the General State Budgets, we believe it is especially important to maintain support for reference institutions such as the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics”.
These resources will favor the scientific work of the IAC, the development of new projects, and will reinforce the capacity of its research infrastructures, contributing to maintaining the archipelago among the world's leading references in astronomy.
The Minister of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture, Migdalia Machín, highlighted that this measure “reinforces the commitment of the Government of the Canary Islands to the generation of knowledge and to a strategic institution for the present and future of the islands”.
Likewise, she pointed out that “the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics represents one of the greatest scientific assets of our territory and constitutes a fundamental tool for projecting the talent and excellence developed from the islands to the rest of the world”.
Machín also stressed that “the Archipelago not only hosts some of the best skies on the planet for astronomical observation, but also one of the most prestigious scientific ecosystems. The IAC demonstrates how knowledge can generate opportunities, external projection, and development”. In this regard, he recalled that supporting the Institute means betting on the training of research personnel, attracting talent, and promoting an economy increasingly based on innovation.
The contribution allocated to investments will allow progress in key areas for the Institute's activity, including general services, scientific instrumentation, observatories, computer systems, and other research support areas, favoring the modernization of its infrastructures and the strengthening of its technical capabilities.
The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias is one of the main astronomical research centers in Europe and a world reference in the study of the universe. Composed of the General Administration of the State, the Government of the Canary Islands, the University of La Laguna, and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), it manages the Teide and Roque de los Muchachos observatories, recognized among the best locations in the world for astronomical observation.
From these scientific infrastructures of excellence, the IAC leads and participates in global projects and receives researchers from numerous countries each year. Its work places the islands at the forefront of knowledge and generates a significant driving effect on specialized training, technological development, and the attraction of investment linked to the knowledge economy.
With this funding, the regional executive reaffirms its support for a key institution for the Canarian science and innovation system, strengthening its capacity to continue driving scientific advances and consolidating the archipelago's role as one of the major international reference poles for astronomy and astrophysics.
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