XMM-Newton Users' Group Mission Statement

 

XMM-Newton Users' Group Mission Statement

The XMM-Newton Users' Group advises ESA, through the Project Scientist, on all matters relating to the optimisation of the scientific output of the XMM-Newton mission. It also acts as a forum to discuss input from the community of users, and when appropriate advise or recommend action to ESA regarding XMM-Newton operations.

The following applies:

  • The Users' Group convenes at least once a year, and the regular meeting venue is ESAC.
  • Users' Group meetings consist of "open" and "closed" sessions. Besides the formal Users' Group members, it is expected that relevant experts from the XMM-Newton Science Operations Centre, as well as instrument Principal Investigators (PI) and the Survey Scientist take part in the "open" sessions. Further experts can be invited upon proposal from Project Scientist and concurrence from the Chair. The Project Scientist, the Science Support Manager and the Mission Manager are in attendance of the Users' Group "open" and "closed" meetings.
  • The XMM-Newton Users' Group may advise the Project Scientist (and through them the Observing Time Allocation Committee (OTAC) Chair) on matters relating to OTAC and the proposal selection process, keeping in mind that the responsibility of the process rests with the OTAC Chair.
  • The Chair of the XMM-Newton Users' Group will report to the AWG in preparation for mission extensions (or otherwise).
  • Principal Investigators of XMM-Newton instruments, the XMM-Newton Survey Scientist and technical experts are invited to the "open" sessions of the Users' Group.

Users' Group Membership

  • The Users' Group has nine external members, appointed by the Astronomy and Astrophysics Mission Coordinator (SCI-CS).
  • The Project Scientist and the Chair of the Users' Group propose membership of the Users' Group to SCI-CS, after consulting the appropriate advisory bodies (in particular ESA's Astronomy Working Group).
  • The Project Scientist proposes the chairperson of the Users' Group to Director of Science, after consulting the appropriate advisory bodies (in particular ESA's Astronomy Working Group).
  • Each year two members of the Users' Group are replaced taking into account the duration of the membership, personal aspirations and changes in professional position.
  • The Chair of the OTAC is an ex officio additional member of the Users' Group and may attend the "open" and "closed" meetings.