With this Twinning With this Twinning action we aim to strengthen the research and networking capacity, profile and impact of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) in the area of galaxies through the development of strategic

alliances of this regionally leading institute in an Outermost Region of the EU (OR), with three excellent European partners. An initial SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of the galaxies group has revealed that it is strong and internationally relevant in the area of optical observational research in galaxies, but that, in order to remain competitive and increase its national and international impact, it needs to strengthen in the areas of numerical modelling, radio astronomy, the exploitation of the most modern observational surveys, as well as European proposal preparation and management. We therefore team up with three very important European partners, the University of Groningen (RUG) in particular for radio astronomy, the University of Durham (ICC) for numerical modelling, and the CNRS - Observatoire Astronomique de Strasbourg (ObAS) for exploitation of modern observational surveys. Each of these partners has a long history of world-leading excellence, performed by teams built around prize-winning scientists.

We aim to perform joint research, develop strategies for increased competitiveness, and ensure sustainable improvements as well as lasting collaborations in world-class science. In parallel, we will enhance the capacities within the IAC in top-level project management, administration and strategic skills, and share the new-found excellence and best practice with academic and industry partners in the region. Our project contains a research pilot aimed at using the most modern opportunities achievable through our partners to increase the IAC's expertise in numerical modelling, radio astronomy, and modern survey exploitation, studying galaxies within and outside the Local Group.