NWO Institute SRON: Netherlands Institute for Space Research
SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research is part of NWO-I.
SRON is the Dutch expertise institute for space research. Its researchers and engineers study the universe, including the earth, via four scientific programmes: astrophysics (X-ray/infrared), earth observation, exoplanets and detection technology. The researchers do this by analysing data from space telescopes and the engineers do it by building instruments for those satellites. SRON technology also has societal applications, such as the monitoring of greenhouse gases.
Space instruments
SRON develops, for example, spectrometers and read-out and control electronics for international space missions. The space instruments developed by SRON provide, amongst other things, knowledge about the evolution of the universe, black holes, and the atmospheres of exoplanets and of our own earth. Space is an ideal location for observing both the universe and the earth. Much of the radiation from the universe does not penetrate the earth's atmosphere and that is why astronomers need space telescopes. These telescopes also provide earth scientists with the broad view they need to study the earth's atmosphere.
History
In 1961, one of the forerunners of SRON was established: the Utrecht Laboratory for Space Research (LRO). In 1983, LRO merged with the institutes in Groningen and Leiden to become Stichting Ruimteonderzoek Nederland (SRON). Since 2005, the institute has held its current name: SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research.
Director SRON
Dr Michael Wise
Communication advisors
Frans Stravers and Erik Arends
Contact details
SRON
Netherlands Institute for Space Research
Locatie Leiden (Leiden Bio Science Park)
Niels Bohrweg 4
2333 CA Leiden
+31 88 777 5600
Location Groningen
Kapteynborg (Entrance J1)
Landleven 12
NL-9747 AD Groningen
+31 50 363 4074