The integration of an important part of IJCLab's A2C pole into OSUPS and the arrival of Sarah Antier, the laboratory's first CNAP (National Council of Astronomers and Physicists) astronomer, are part of a dynamic of strengthened partnerships in the field of universe sciences. These two developments open up new collaboration prospects. On the cover: the Gravitational Waves group from the A2C pole.
Since June 2025, IJCLab's Astroparticles, Astrophysics and Cosmology (A2C) pole has integrated five of its teams into the Universe Sciences Observatory of Paris-Saclay University (OSUPS): Gravitational Waves (OG), LSST, High Energy Astrophysics (APHE), Astrophysics and Cosmology (AC) and Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). IJCLab thus joins the three founding laboratories: the Institute of Space Astrophysics (IAS), Geosciences Paris-Saclay (GEOPS) and Astrophysics, Instrumentation and Modelling (AIM).
A scientific ecosystem with multiple synergies
OSUPS and its laboratories cover a wide range of scientific themes: stellar physics, solar system and planets, star formation and dynamics, interstellar matter, galaxy evolution, cosmology and dark sector, high-energy cosmic phenomena, astrochemistry and origins, as well as planetary and terrestrial geosciences. This thematic diversity builds on cross-cutting skills in instrumentation, numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, advanced statistical methods and scientific data management. OSUPS is one of France's leading centres for universe sciences and associated space research.
Universe Sciences Observatories play a structuring role in French research; their mission is to bring together research, observation services, data dissemination and valorisation, as well as training in the fields of universe, Earth and environmental sciences. This unique organisation enables France to maintain its excellence in major international projects. For IJCLab, this integration facilitates collaborations with the observatory's other members.
This new institutional framework now allows IJCLab to welcome Sarah Antier, the first associate astronomer from the National Council of Astronomers and Physicists (CNAP) to join the Gravitational Waves team. Recently distinguished by the Gemini Prize for her Kilonova-Catcher project, she brings recognised expertise in the field of multi-messenger astronomy.
CNAP astronomers, appointed by ministerial decree, carry out a hybrid mission combining fundamental research, teaching duties and observation services. This is essential for optimal operation of large instruments and continuity of long-term observation programs. Sarah Antier's arrival strengthens the Gravitational Waves team's activities on the study of transient and explosive phenomena to investigate compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes and their associated matter ejecta. To this end, she leads the international GRANDMA project, which was created at the laboratory in 2018, while contributing to the SVOM satellite and its associated ground-based telescope network through her service task.
Learn more about OSUPS: https://osups.universite-paris-saclay.fr/