Transformational science with a (sub-)mm interferometer in the 2040s

Following the announcement from ESO about the start of the search for its next astronomical ground-based programme for the 2040s (ESO Expanding Horizons), the community is getting organized to prepare the science case including a reference design concept for a new millimeter/sub-millimeter facility in the 2040s which builds upon the successes of the current ALMA Observatory. These efforts are bundled in the ALMA2040 network.

We invite the global mm/sub-mm community to contribute to dedicated scientific/technical White Papers and/or join efforts to develop a reference design concept for a transformantional next-generation ALMA-like facility.

ESO will issue a Call for Ideas in Q3/2026 with a deadline of 2027 June 1 (and a deadline of 2026 December 1 for Letters of Intent). We aim to respond to this call.