The Astrophysics Centre for Multimessenger studies in Europe (ACME) project aims to enhance the accessibility and integration of Europe’s leading astroparticle and astronomy research infrastructures. ACME is focused on advancing the emerging field of multimessenger astrophysics by facilitating access to cutting-edge instruments, data, and expertise.

Bringing together 42 top-tier institutions from 15 countries, ACME unites the astroparticle and astronomy communities in a collaborative effort to build a foundation for long-term cooperation. The project seeks to transcend geographical boundaries and harmonize access to research resources, ultimately strengthening Europe’s position in global astrophysics research.

Opening of the Virtual Access platform

The ACME project has officially launched its online platform for virtual access to multi-messenger expertise. This platform is now available to support the scientific community by providing access to expert guidance in the following areas:

• Expertise in multi-messenger observatories, and advanced data analysis and tools
• End-to-end support for multi-wavelength/messenger observations of transient sources
• Theoretical expertise and tools to help interpret data

Calendar of hands-on sessions

In addition to the VA platform, ACME experts are organising online tutorials and hands-on sessions. Each session typically includes: an introduction to the featured tool or package, including its role in multi-messenger astronomy, practical exercises allowing participants to interact directly with the software or tool, and opportunities to ask questions.

Access is granted with no conditions, but registration is required at least five days before the corresponding event.

Calls for visits to institutes (TNA)

Regular calls are being issued, aiming to support the one to two-week visits of individuals to European institutes part of the ACME consortium. Visiting users are selected through a competitive process based on the quality of the scientific applications and the suitability of the proposed project to the institute. Two calls have already taken place, with more than 160 applications received. 46 projects were selected in the first call, and the selection for the second one is being finalized. A third call is already planned in spring 2026.

Workshops and schools

The ACME consortium has already successfully organised six workshops and schools since the beginning of 2025. They covered a wide range of topics: gravitational waves, citizen science, gamma-ray astronomy, radio interferometry, time-domain astronomy with optical observations, and X-ray analyses. The registrations are already open for one of the next events, the Third CTAO/MAGIC School in La Palma (Spain) in May 2026.

MeerKAT joins the EVN

Illustration: Benito Marcote, JIVE. Image credits: MeerKAT image © SARAO; EVN map image © Paul Boven, JIVE (satellite image: Blue Marble Next Generation, courtesy of NASA Visible Earth).

Earlier this year, JIVE carried out successful tests between the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa and the European VLBI Network (EVN). As a result, the network has significantly improved its sensitivity in its highest resolution configuration. Users of the EVN can request MeerKAT as part of the VLBI array; in addition, MeerKAT interferometric data can be provided by SARAO. This will be beneficial for all projects, especially for multi-band and multi-messenger transient science programs involving MeerKAT (see more). Proposal deadlines for the EVN are 1 February, 1 May, and 1 October. The call for proposals and additional information are available through the EVN website.

Outcome of the Gaia Alerts 2025 conference

Photo from the Gaia Science Alerts and ACME Time-Domain Workshop 2025.

The National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ, Warsaw, Poland) was the main organiser of the Gaia Alerts 2025 conference, the 16th Gaia Science Alerts and ACME Time-Domain Workshop, from 29 September to 3 October 2025 at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) in La Laguna (Tenerife). The meeting marks a milestone moment for the Gaia mission, celebrating the end of its science observations, and convenes the international community to chart the next decade of discovery in time-domain and multimessenger astrophysics. See more.

JIVE VLBI School (JVS2025)

A scene from a short video about the JIVE VLBI School 2025.
View the full video on JIVE’s LinkedIn page here.

The first training event supported by ACME was organised jointly by JIVE in the Netherlands and the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Working with very long baseline interferometry data requires a deep understanding of the technique and the telescopes. The JIVE School offered access to this expertise through in-person lectures and hands-on tutorial sessions at both locations in a hybrid format, with lectures also available online for registered participants. Our goal is to expand the EVN user base, especially aiming at students, early career researchers, and experts in other domains.