The mission of the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA) is to foster research with the highest impact in the field of astrophysics and space sciences and to support teaching and training of young researchers and students in close collaboration with the Universities of Lisbon and Porto. It also aims to promote wide-ranging science communication activities that enhance public understanding of the Universe and our place in it, as well as awareness of the importance of research in this field.

Our vision is to achieve international leadership in key areas of astrophysics and space sciences, taking full advantage and realising the potential created by the national membership of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO). This is done through state-of-the-art research, enabled by our leading participation in strategic international ground and space-based projects and missions.