XMM-Newton Users' Group Mission Statement
The XMM-Newton Users' Group advises ESA, through the Project Scientist, on all
matters relating to the optimisation of the scientific output of the XMM-Newton
mission. It also acts as a forum to discuss input from the community of users,
and when appropriate advise or recommend action to ESA regarding XMM-Newton
operations.
The following applies:
- The Users' Group convenes at least once a year, and the regular meeting
venue is ESAC
- Users’ Group meetings consist of “open” and “closed” sessions. Besides the
formal Users’ Group members, it is expected that relevant experts from the
XMM-Newton Science Operations Centre, as well as instrument Principal
Investigators (PI) and the Survey Scientist take part in the “open” sessions.
Further experts can be invited upon proposal from Project Scientist and
concurrence from the Chair. The Project Scientist, the Science Support
Manager and the Mission Manager are in attendance of the Users' Group "open"
and "closed" meetings.
- The XMM-Newton Users' Group may advise the Project Scientist (and through
him/her the Observing Time Allocation Committee (OTAC) Chair) on matters
relating to OTAC and the proposal selection process, keeping in mind that
the responsibility of the process rests with the OTAC Chair.
- The Chair of the XMM-Newton Users' Group will report to the AWG on a two
years basis, in preparation for mission extensions (or otherwise).
- The team leader of the user support group in ESAC is the executive
secretary of the Users' Group.
- Principal Investigators of XMM-Newton instruments, the XMM-Newton Survey
Scientist and technical experts are invited to the "open" sessions of the
Users' Group.
Users Group Membership
- The Users' Group has nine external members, appointed by ESA’s Director
of Science and Robotic Exploration (D/SRE)
- The Project Scientist and the Chair of the Users' Group propose membership
of the Users’ Group to D/SRE, after consulting the appropriate advisory
bodies (in particular ESA’s Astronomy Working Group).
- The Project Scientist proposes the chairperson of the Users’ Group to
D/SRE, after consulting the appropriate advisory bodies (in particular
ESA’s Astronomy Working Group).
- Each year at least two members of the Users' Group are replaced taking
into account the duration of the membership, personal aspirations and
changes in professional position.
- The Chair of the OTAC is an ex officio additional member of the Users’
Group and may attend the “open” and “closed” meetings.
