[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#153772″ min_height=”905.9px” custom_margin=”||18px|||” custom_padding=”30px|||||” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”85.7px” custom_margin=”|auto|-10px|auto||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_align=”justify” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]On Thursday, September 4, 140 colleagues connected to a new All-Hands meeting. The meeting highlighted the record number of hours observed in Cycle 11, the demand for Cycle 12, and the progress of the ALMA Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU), which will quadruple ALMA\u2019s sensitivity.<\/p>\n
The session was led by Director Sean Dougherty<\/strong> and featured presentations by Iv\u00e1n L\u00f3pez<\/strong>, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSSE) Manager, and Rafael Mena<\/strong>, Human Resources Manager.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||112px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/alma.loadingediciones.cl\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/18-Atacama2024_0424_222227-9882_AGP-Edit.webp” title_text=”18-Atacama2024_0424_222227-9882_AGP-Edit” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75.9%” min_height=”231px” custom_margin=”|-14px|-40px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/alma.loadingediciones.cl\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DJI_0416-scaled-1.webp” title_text=”DJI_0416-scaled” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”92.2%” min_height=”230px” custom_margin=”|41px|-3px|||” custom_padding=”|50px|1px|0px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-8px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A great view of the ALMA antennas during the night in the Chajnantor Plateau, with the Milky Way superimposed above them, as an artistic representation Credits:<\/strong> A. P\u00e9rez \u2013 ALMA (ESO\/NAOJ\/ NRAO)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]After a blizzard, the antenna transporter Lore returns to its regular duties on the Chajnantor plateau (5,000m altitude). Credits:<\/strong> J. Rojas \u2013 ALMA (ESO\/NAOJ\/ NRAO)[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”4px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}”]Where we are today<\/strong> Looking ahead<\/strong> Celebrating our achievements<\/strong> The All-Hands meeting concluded with an inspiring message: beyond financial, operational, or climatic contingencies, the true driving force behind ALMA is its people. \u201cTogether, we not only operate a world-class observatory, but we also build a strong, resilient community that is prepared for the future,\u201d emphasized Sean Dougherty at the close of the meeting, inviting all staff to provide feedback<\/em> and leaving the door open for any questions.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n On Thursday, September 4, 140 colleagues connected to a new All-Hands meeting. The meeting highlighted the record number of hours observed in Cycle 11, the demand for Cycle 12, and the progress of the ALMA Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU), which will quadruple ALMA\u2019s sensitivity. The session was led by Director Sean Dougherty and featured presentations […]<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Despite a particularly challenging winter, the observatory’s scientific performance is reaching historic levels in Cycle 11, with record observation hours and remarkable productivity results.
\n\u2022 Operational resilience:<\/strong> Iv\u00e1n L\u00f3pez highlighted the teams’ efforts in the face of the most intense snowstorms of the last decade and emphasized that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
\n\u2022 Financial outlook:<\/strong> Sean Dougherty provided an update on the projections for the 2025 budget: due to exchange rate volatility and fuel prices, an overspend of 1 billion pesos is expected. In light of this situation, he announced necessary adjustments to reverse this figure to some extent and ensure the continuity of operations.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Cycle 12 <\/strong>: With more than 1,600 proposals received, ALMA consolidates its global leadership in astronomy and maintains a high level of demand.
\n\u2022 WSU (Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade)<\/strong>: Progress was presented on this key project, which will quadruple the observatory’s sensitivity and ensure its leading role in astronomical research for decades to come.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Culture of recognition:<\/strong> Rafael Mena presented the new policy aimed at strengthening pride, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within ALMA.
\n\u2022 Team growth:<\/strong> New colleagues were welcomed and promotions were celebrated, reflecting professional development within the organization.
\n\u2022 Upcoming activities:<\/strong> National Holidays, the Interobservatory Olympics, and end-of-year celebrations were announced. <\/p>\n