PPARC

The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) funds UK research, education and training in its four broad areas of science - particle physics, astronomy, solar system science and particle astrophysics. PPARC has its administrative headquarters in Swindon, along with several other research councils and has three scientific sites: the UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh, the Isaac Newton Group in La Palma and the Joint Astronomy Centre in Hawaii.

UK representation on the various bodies of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is arranged by PPARC.

PPARC was appointed by the VISTA Consortium to arrange for the delivery of the VISTA facility.

PPARC set up a VISTA Project Office (VPO) at their UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh and a VISTA Project Board (VPB) to oversee the VISTA work.

PPARC's Director of Programmes, Professor Richard Wade, chairs the VISTA Project Board (VPB).

PPARC's Miss Rowena Sirey is the VISTA budget holder, co-ordinating all funds for the VISTA project.

The PPARC Web Site is at: www.pparc.ac.uk

The Royal Observatory Edinburgh comprises the UK Astronomy Technology Centre of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Institute for Astronomy of the University of Edinburgh and the ROE Visitor Centre.