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Infrared Science and Technology Integration Group
(IR STIG)

The infrared region of the spectrum is critical for probing the cool, dense interstellar medium from which stars and planetary systems form. In recent years, the enhanced capabilities of Spitzer, Herschel, SOFIA, and other missions have provided a wide range of exciting new results ranging from molecules observed in protostellar disks to the first galaxies observed in dust continuum and fine structure cooling lines. New and anticipated space missions, for example the James Webb Space Telescope and the Origins Space Telescope, will further enhance our observational capabilities. Maintaining and developing the existing multiplicity of observing platforms and new instrumentation are important considerations for future infrared astronomy.

This Infrared Science Interest Group (IR SIG) was originally constituted in 2002 and works with the COPAG Executive Committee and NASA headquarters to collect community input on the long-term objectives of infrared astronomy and enhance the voice of IR astronomy within the broader astronomical community. Recently reconstituted as the Infrared Science and Technology Integration Group (IR STIG) following the Astro2020 Decadal, we have several ongoing activities to engage both these communities:

• Biannual Newsletter — Published in winter and summer, the newsletter series presents recent news, science highlights, and mission and technology updates and developments. For each addition, articles are solicited from the community at-large.


• Monthly Webinar — An hour-long seminar presented online on the first Tuesday of every month at 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific. Typical live attendance is 20–50 people. Seminars are also recorded and published to our website.


• AAS Splinter Sessions — Hosted during each winter AAS meeting and including invited talks along with a panel discussion. Attendance has been > 100 people at every recent splinter session.


• Review Articles and White Papers — Including review articles on far-infrared instrumentation and technology development, and white paper efforts for the 2010 and 2020 decadal survey.


• Focused Workshops — The IR SIG has led or participated in multiple focused workshops covering topics such as next-generation instrumentation and current science with IR facilities such as SOFIA.

We invite participation from the community, particularly from early-career researchers and those from under represented backgrounds in astronomy. Please contact us for more information about our activities and mission, and how you can get involved.