Application

The school is aimed at early-career scientists, graduate (master and PhD) students or young Postdocs, preferably with no more than two years of experience in the very high-energy astronomy field. To ensure a fulfilling, interactive educational experience, both in theoretical and hands-on sessions, the school will accept a maximum of 26 participants.

As part of the selection process, applicants will be asked to submit a one-page statement about the research work they have carried out so far and a one-page reference letter from advisors or supervisors. The deadline for submitting the application and all required documents is November 30th at 23:59 CET.

Fee

The fee for the 10 day school is 500 euros, which covers accommodation, meals, coffee breaks and local transportation at both sites in La Palma, Spain. Students are responsible for booking their own flight to and from La Palma, Spain. Transport to Roque de los Muchachos Observatory will take place at 10:00 (WEST) on May 12, 2026. To ensure compliance with the schedule, students must take into account when booking flights to La Palma, Spain, that they must arrive at La Palma Airport (SPC) before 10:00 (WEST) on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

If your application is accepted, to complete the registration, you must pay the fee before January 31, 2026. You will receive an email with the corresponding payment instructions. Visit the Important Dates page for more information.

Fee-waiver Programme

The CTAO is dedicated to fostering inclusion and providing equal opportunities. In alignment with this commitment, the CTAO will open fellowships aimed at covering the fees for participants from resource-limited groups. Selection criteria will be based on scientific merit, evaluated through the one-page cover letter, and a demonstration of the group's financial need. Waivers will be assessed by members of the SOC and LOC teams.

To apply for the fee waiver, please include any pertinent information or document in the "Justification" field of the Application form. Participants will be notified of the fee-waiver programme resolution via email , along with the outcome of their application.

Application form

First Name

Surname(s)

Affiliation

Affiliation country

Other:

Upload Cover Letter (Max. 15 MB)

File name: yourname_coverletter.pdf

Cover Letter (one-page statement

about your work. PDF format only) *

Upload reference letter

File name: yourname_reference.pdf

Reference Letter from Advisors

or Supervisors (one-page,

PDF format only) *

Fee-waiver justification

Upload Justification PDF (Max. 15 MB)

File name: yourname_justification.pdf

IMPORTANT!

After the application and review process, applicants will receive an email with the resolution. If you are accepted to attend the school, you will be required to pay the fee through a bank transfer before the deadline specified on the Important Dates page. Billing information will be requested during that period.

By submitting the application, participants confirm that they do not have any medical condition incompatible with working at altitudes above 2,000 m. In case of other, minor health issues (controlled and controllable), participants are encouraged to inform the organizers if they are selected to participate in the school.

Further information or comments (including special needs)

Thank you for your submission!