Author: Dr. David Jones, IAC Tenerife

Title: "Per aspera ad astra simul": an ERAMUS+ strategic collaboration
between the IAC, Czech Republic and Slovakia

Abstract: The "Per aspera ad astra simul" ("Through difficulties to the
stars together") ERASMUS+ programme represents a strategic collaboration
between the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC, Spain) and  various
institutions across the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with unique
opportunities for students, postdocs and more senior researchers alike.
In this talk, I will introduce the IAC and its observatories, including
the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory - home to the World's largest
optical telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias or GranTeCan.  I will
also highlight some of the planned activities of the ERASMUS+ programme,
including student placements at the IAC and GranTeCan, Summer schools on
astronomical observing techniques, and opportunities for Czech and  Slovak
institutions to host IAC researchers.