====== ESF Grants for networking ======

We would like to try to apply for a grant to European Science Foundation.

The deadline is October 23, 2008.

More information is avilable on their [[http://www.esf.org/activities/research-networking-programmes/rnp-call-for-proposals.html|webpage]]

====== Goals ======

  * Hold a conference on robotics telescopes (one part) and image processing (second part)
  * Develop and maintain (European?) database of transient sources, with Wiki style editing for transients informations (reference to papers,..)
  * Develop and maintain (European?) database with possible targets for observations
      * Update it live from RTS2 (or other software) running at observatories
  * Develop and maintain web site with informations about robotics observatories, including:
      * Equipment lists, links to vendors, experiences with devices
      * Search for optimal sites location for robotelescopes in Europe (and worldwide?)
      * Recommendations for setting up/robotizing observatory
      * Data processing
      * Target of observation and algorithms of transient identification
      * Links to papers and science done using the equipment - results obtained with Robotic telescopes
  * Write a book "**The ultimate guide to planning, constructing and operating an autonomous observatory**"
      * Use information from Wiki, transfer them to print
      * It is 20 years from //Trueblood & Genet Observatory control//, that alone is good reason to print a new book..
  * Promote networking and exchange of ideas and staff among members

====== Participants ======

Here is list of expected institutes and participants, together with status of negotiations, in grant proposal:

  * UCD Dublin (Lorrain Hanholn)
Will participate.

  * Pi of the Sky (Lech Manklowicz)
Will participate (confirmed via Skype/email on 9th September).

  * IAA Granada (Alberto-Castro Tirado)
Will participate (confirmed at discussion with Alberto 1st September 2008).

  * Ondřejov (René Hudec)
Will participate (confirmed by emails 2nd September 2008).

  * FZÚ Praha (Michal Prouza)
Will participate ?

  * ČVUT (Praha)
Unclear about if they can participate.

  * Brno observatory
Gabriel Szasz should present idea to management.

  * Galwey (Ray Butler)
Unknow state.

  * Cork (Ronan / ?)
Unknow state.

====== Global partners ======

  * Space Research Institute, Moscow, Russia
Alex Pozanenko, confirmed by email 11th September