On 1 July, Finland will bring to 11 the number of member countries in the European Southern Observatory. ESO’s astronomy facilities, located in Chile, include the Very Large Telescope and, in partnership with the US, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array. ESO is also developing plans for the Overwhelmingly Large Telescope, a 100-meter optical telescope.
Joining ESO is part of Finland’s broader effort to strengthen research and development, including both basic research and international cooperation. The country is increasing its investment in R&D, which is already high at 3.4% of the gross domestic product. Finland will contribute about ¢1.8 million ($2.3 million) to ESO’s annual budget of more than ¢100 million.
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