The 2016 KIAA-PKU Astrophysics Forum: Future Large Optical-Infrared Facilities in China

Astronomy is an empirical science driven by progress in observational facilities.With the rapid development of telescopes facilities on the ground and in space during the past decade, coupled with increased participation in large international projects such as TMT and SKA, China is poised to play a dominant role in astronomy on the world stage.A major current weakness, however, is the lack of general-purpose, large-aperture optical-infrared facilities.To remedy this urgent situation, the community, under the auspices of the National Astronomical Observatory of China, has proposed the construction of a 12-meter optical-infrared telescope in Ali, Tibet.In a parallel effort, a consortium of universities is evaluating the feasibility of developing a 6.5-meter optical-infrared telescope.

The theme for this year's KIAA-PKU Astrophysics Forum is Future Large Optical-Infrared Facilities in China. We are organizing a forum to discuss the two proposed large telescope projects.It is a great opportunity for everyone in the Chinese astronomy community to actively participate in the early planning of the two projects, to join in various science and technical working groups, and to learn, propose, and discuss science cases for the two telescopes.The forum will provide a platform for national and international collaborations among individuals and institutions.