The Ministry of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands has highlighted the important advance represented by the financial backing presented this Wednesday for the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT), considering that it strengthens La Palma's options to host one of the most relevant scientific infrastructures in the world and the largest on European soil.
The Government of Spain, the European Investment Bank, and the Official Credit Institute propose a mobilization of up to 1,000 million euros to make the project possible if the international consortium chooses the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory as the site for the Thirty-Meter Telescope.
The proposal represents a new boost to a strategic project for research and recognizes the work carried out over years by the scientific institutions and administrations involved to place the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory among the best alternatives for hosting this facility.
The Minister of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture, Migdalia Machín, pointed out that "Canary Islands has demonstrated for decades that it has exceptional conditions for astronomical observation and that it has the knowledge, experience, and infrastructure necessary to host international scientific projects. Today's announcement strengthens that path and recognizes sustained work that now has significant financial backing."
Machín thanked the determination of the State government and the involvement of its Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the European Investment Bank, the Official Credit Institute, the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics, and all the entities that have contributed to this advance.
"Cooperation between administrations and institutions has made it possible to present a solid and competitive project. That joint effort opens an extraordinary opportunity for La Palma and reinforces the position of the Canary Islands as an international benchmark in astrophysics."
The minister recalled that it is now up to the TMT international consortium to make the final decision and expressed her confidence that the project for La Palma will be valued for the excellence of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, the scientific prestige of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics, and the unique natural conditions offered by the island's skies.
He added that the installation of the telescope would provide a boost for research of excellence, would favor the attraction of talent and would consolidate the leadership of the Canary Islands in one of the scientific fields in which the archipelago enjoys the greatest international recognition.
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