The University of Delaware requests planning grant funds to develop a Science and Technology Research Center proposal for a South Pole Astrophysics Research Center to serve as the focus for scientific, technical, and logistical aspects of astrophysical research in the Antarctic. The goal of the Center is to advance understanding of the universe through the promotion and realization of experiments at the cutting edge of knowledge. The Center's activities will include assisting scientists in determining feasibility of their research and in conducting it, facilitating collaborations among scientists, providing training, facilitating international collaboration, providing technical support for onsite research, and providing a framework for planning and program support activities. The planning grant funds will support a workshop that will identify significant astrophysical problems for which observations at the South Pole are critical as well as additional workshops wherein the center proposal will be developed. The goal of the proposed center is to make a significant contribution in astrophysics research. The South Pole is a unique site, and the difficulty of conducting research there demands planning, coordination, and logistical support. The Center can provide this as well as play a major role in setting the agenda for future scientific research.
