Observatory of the sciences of the universe of Reunion island
Missions
Research
The primary mission of the OSU-R is to promote research by bringing together laboratories within their geographical and thematic perimeters (defined with the supervising university). The main objectives of this mission are
- develop new multidisciplinary research areas
- develop new areas of research at the interface between fields (astronomy, climate sciences, internal geophysics, particle physics, ecology, biological sciences, materials physics, health, etc.).
- encourage the development of platforms or technical skills that cover needs broader than those of individual units.
Within the Université de La Réunion, OSU-R leads the OMNCG (Observations des Milieux Naturels et des Changements Globaux) research federation by organizing an annual Call for Projects (AAP), and co-manages an Inter-Federation AAP between the OMNCG and BioST (BioSécurité en milieu Tropical) federations.
Observation
The second mission of the OSU-R is to ensure the operation of observation stations (atmospheric, forestry, hydrological and marine stations) thanks to the logistical and technical support of the UAR 3365 (Unité d’Appui et de Recherche).
In particular, it ensures the operation of SNO (Systèmes Nationaux d’Observation – National Observation Systems), which are accredited at national level by INSU-CNRS. SNOs are systems for regular, long-term observation of key variables in natural environments. They are essential for fundamental research.
Systematic observation of natural phenomena is the only way to monitor, understand and model their evolution. This mission is the basis for forecasting, the ultimate stage in the scientific effort.
The OSUs support the Research Infrastructures included in national and European roadmaps.
These schemes promote community structuring (collaboration and pooling) in several environmental fields, such as OA (Ocean-Atmosphere) and SIC (InterContinental Surfaces).
SNOs are the building blocks for the construction of national research infrastructures, which in turn are the counterparts of infrastructures, or infrastructure applications, on a European scale.
Training
The third mission is to participate in university training and the dissemination of scientific knowledge and culture.
The OSU-R is an internal school (component with derogatory status) of the Université de La Réunion. As a component, the OSU-R has no direct teaching responsibilities within the University, since teaching in disciplines related to the scientific themes developed at the OSU-R is organized and delivered, for the most part, within the UFR Sciences et Technique.
The OSU-R is involved in these teaching activities through the professors and lecturers assigned to its laboratories (but attached to the UFR ST for their teaching activities) and a physicist assistant from the CNAP (Conseil National des Astronomes et Physiciens) attached to the OSU-R and assigned to the LACy.
Through these staff, the OSU-R participates in training courses at both bachelor’s and master’s levels.