IRAM’s astronomy group is one of the world's leaders in observational radio astronomy at millimeter wavelengths. The group conducts a broad research program with state-of-the-art instruments to address a number of astrophysical key questions.

It is actively engaged in research aimed at exploring the planetary system, understanding the birth and death of stars, investigating the chemical layout of the interstellar medium, disclosing dynamical and chemical properties of galaxies and looking into the evolution of galaxies of the local and early Universe.

Our research uses two of the world's most powerful facilities operating at millimeter wavelengths: a 30m single-dish telescope in the Sierra Nevada (Spain) and the NOEMA interferometer in the French Alps. The group promotes learning opportunities and training in millimeter astronomy and provides technical and software support to visiting astronomers to observe, calibrate and analyze data from both observatories.

The astronomy group maintains scientific and technical research collaborations with observatories and organizations around the world.  IRAM astronomers were deeply involved in the preparation and development phase of ALMA, the world's largest telescope project operating at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. Last but not least, the group is also committed to providing support to a number of transnational research initiatives funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 730562 [RadioNet].