Invited by the National Office for Research and Technology (NKTH), representatives of the ASPERA network (AStroParticle physics ERAnet – European Research Area network responsible for astroparticle physics) have conferred in Hungary. The main purpose of the initiative supported by EU is to join forces of the European funding agencies in astroparticle physics and develop a strategy for the future in this research field. The ASPERA network has prepared the European Strategy for Astroparticle Physics, which determines the most important research infrastructures needed in the area of astroparticle physics in Europe. The main objective of the ASPERA Hungarian National Day organized in Budapest on 15 October 2010 was to present the Hungarian science activities in astroparticle physics and the science funding system in Hungary to the other 21 partner funding agencies in the network. ASPERA is creating a roadmap for future directions in this research field and is identifying the large research infrastructure it will support in the near future, therefore it is important for Hungarian researchers to be informed about this decision making process and it is also imperative that the voice of the Hungarian research community be heard.

The goal of astroparticle physics is to find answers to essential questions regarding the birth of the Universe and its structure by examining particles coming from Space. These researches may highlight the substance of the intangible “dark matter” that the highest portion of the Universe consists of, the role of cosmic rays in the story of the Universe; these researches may also contribute to the extension of our knowledge about the nature of elementary particles building up matter. Astroparticle physics gathers more than 2000 European scientists in over 50 laboratories.

ASPERA is the coordinating network of national funding agencies supporting astroparticle physics research in Europe. It comprises 22 partners in 17 countries. The ASPERA network provides the opportunity to exchange information, harmonise research sources and it promotes the exploitation of research results between participating organisations. The ASPERA network is funded by the European Commission in the Seventh Framework Programme of European Union, a member of which is the National Office for Research and Technology (NKTH). Participants of the network published the European Strategy for Astroparticle Physics in September 2008, which defines scientific results to be achieved in the long run and their necessary tools and infrastructures.

The main purpose of the ASPERA Hungarian National Day organized by NKTH on 15 October 2010 was to present the astroparticle physics activities and the science funding system in Hungary to the ASPERA partners. The participants received a full review of institute structure of the Hungarian R&D; they were informed about the R&D funding opportunities and the main trends and achievements of Hungarian astroparticle physics researches. The ASPERA National Day gave the opportunity for the Hungarian researchers to exchange experience with foreign representatives of ASPERA, and scientists also received information about developing plans of astroparticle physics in Europe. Hungarian researchers are very active in some of the fields involved, and are looking forward to play a more significant role in the European research area. During the discussions at the ASPERA National Day it was mentioned that Hungary could be a suitable building site for one of the proposed magnificent seven research labs.

Further information about ASPERA is available at http://www.aspera-eu.org/

Find the European Strategy for Astroparticle Physics at http://www.aspera-eu.org/images/stories/roadmap/aspera_roadmap.pdf

Budapest, 15 October 2010