Science Collaborations

Independent, worldwide communities of scientists, self-organized into collaborations based on their research interests and expertise. New members are welcome.

Science Collaboration (SC) members work together to apply for funding, build software infrastructure and analysis algorithms, and incorporate external data sets into their LSST-based research. They also advise Rubin Observatory on the operational strategies and data products to accomplish specific science goals, and support scientists and students who are new to Rubin to get involved.

Rules and charters, including publication policy and detailed membership requirements, are established independently by each SC with the only overarching rule that only data rights holders can become a member of one (or more) Rubin Observatory/LSST SCs. The LSST Discovery Alliance provides funding, communication infrastructure, and support for the Science Collaborations. The SCs have regular meetings with members of the Rubin Observatory Project.

How to join a Science Collaboration

Each of the eight Science Collaborations develops its own governmental structure and policies for membership and publications. Some collaborations are restricted to data rights holders only.

A few Science Collaborations have an eponymous group in the Rubin Community Forum, but joining a Forum group is not the same as applying for Science Collaboration membership.

Visit the webpage of each collaboration to learn more about their work and how to apply for membership.

The Federated Science Collaborations

In 2020, the Science Collaborations produced a federation document to formalize their relationship to Rubin Observatory and describe the rules of self-governance and rights of the Science Collaboration members.

General questions can be sent to the Science Collaborations Coordinator, Will Clarkson.