The research and development effort at the IA includes most of the topics presently, and for the next decade, at the forefront of research in Astrophysics and Space Sciences, from the Solar System to the large-scale properties of the Universe, complemented by work on instrumentation and systems with potential use in Astronomy and Astrophysics projects. These activities are structured around Research Groups:

• Towards the detection and characterization of other Earths

  Recognised as an international player in this field, the team of Planetary Systems is focused on the characterization of Solar System atmospheres, detection of exoplanets and characterisation of exoplanetary systems.
  
  Research Group team Latest publications

• Towards a comprehensive study of stars

  The research within this thematic line focus on the characterisation of stars and stellar systems and on the exploration of new stellar physics, covering most phases of evolution for stars with a wide range of properties.
  
  Research Group team Latest publications

• The assembly history of galaxies resolved in space and time

  This IA team is participating or leading international efforts that are, literally, "shedding light" into our understanding of galaxy evolution throughout the history of the Universe, from the study of supermassive black holes to the interpretation of galaxies' radiative output.
  
  Research Group team Latest publications

• Unveiling the dynamics of the Universe

  The research within this thematic line focus on the study of early and late-time evolution of the Universe, including the evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters and the assessment of cosmological paradigms using available and simulated data.
  
  Research Group team Latest publications

• Astronomical Instrumentation and Systems

  This team participates in the scientific and technical development for instrumentation and for space and ground systems, in the context of international consortia, ESO and ESA, national space agencies and areas of the Space program of the European Union Horizon 2020.
  
  Research Group team Latest publications

• Science Communication

  IA fosters the proximity between society and scientific research. We organise activities in schools and public spaces, exhibitions, planetarium sessions, astronomical observations and monthly public events. IA is a member of the network of outreach partners organisations of the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
  
  Research Group team Latest publications