The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CAMK PAN) is a leading astronomical research institute in Poland, founded in 1978 . It holds the highest scientific ranking (A+) and is authorized to confer doctoral (Ph.D.) and postdoctoral (habilitation) degrees in astronomy . CAMK PAN’s core research areas include astronomy, astrophysics, astroparticle physics, and the development of related astronomical instrumentation.
Scientists at CAMK PAN are actively involved in numerous major international research projects across these fields. They play important roles in very-high-energy gamma-ray observatories such as H.E.S.S. and the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), in gravitational-wave detector networks (LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA) and neutrino observatories (Hyper-Kamiokande). CAMK PAN is also the Polish coordinator of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) – an 11-m optical telescope – and contributes to space X-ray missions like eROSITA and the forthcoming NewATHENA observatory . Furthermore, CAMK PAN researchers participate in cutting-edge dark matter search experiments including DEAP-3600, DarkSide-20k, and ARGO. In addition to these collaborations, the institute hosts the recently established AstroCeNT (Particle Astrophysics Science & Technology Centre), which pursues interdisciplinary research into the “hidden Universe” – covering dark matter, neutrinos, gravitational waves, and innovative detector technologies.
CAMK PAN also provides unique infrastructure and projects that support astronomical observations and space research. It operates the ground control station for Poland’s first scientific satellites, the BRITE astronomy constellation. CAMK PAN astronomers lead Project Solaris, a global network of four 0.5-meter robotic telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere dedicated to discovering exoplanets around eclipsing binary star systems. Together with Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (UMK), CAMK PAN is also developing a National Centre for Quantum Satellite Communication (NCSatKom) to build a robotic optical station enabling secure quantum communications with satellites.
As part of its international initiatives, CAMK PAN heads the Araucaria Project (launched in 2000), which aims to precisely calibrate the extragalactic distance scale. In 2020, the Center assumed operation of the Cerro Murphy Observatory in Chile (the Rolf Chini Observatory) as an extension of Araucaria, now running several telescopes up to 1.5 m in diameter. A new 2.5 m telescope — poised to be the largest Polish optical telescope — is under construction for this observatory, with commissioning expected by 2026 .
CAMK PAN places strong emphasis on the education and training of young scientists. The institute operates a doctoral school in astronomy and astrophysics jointly with seven other Polish scientific institutions. This PhD program provides comprehensive training and opportunities for students to work with international partners, including joint co-tutelle doctoral supervision with foreign universities. Through these programs, CAMK PAN is cultivating the next generation of astronomers and astrophysicists.
See also CAMK virtual tour, CAMK Fan Page on Facebook , and CAMK movies on YouTube.
