Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered that some of the most massive stars in our galaxy are emitting unbelievably tiny grains of carbon dust—dust that one day could form future stars and planets.
We Make Scientific Breakthroughs Possible
The Infrastructure of Discovery Doesn’t Happen Overnight — We Can Help
We transform ideas into technologies, laboratories and policies that initiate, inform and inspire. For over seven decades, AUI has developed specialized expertise in science, engineering, technology and cyber security to enable greater impact. Uniquely positioned, we combine exceptional operations management with collaborative community engagement, drive innovation and affect lasting change within organizations.
Experts at Managing Complexity
We create an environment where innovation, imagination and people thrive. Even in the harshest desert terrain, discovery flourishes at ALMA Observatory, where AUI has led an international partnership with Europe, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Chile. The $1.4 billion project is a monumental achievement for space exploration and collaborations.
Recent News
ALMA Creates Largest-Ever Image of the Milky Way’s Core
The new survey—known as the ALMA CMZ Exploration Survey (ACES)—maps more than 650 light-years across the Central Molecular Zone, the extreme environment that surrounds our galaxy’s supermassive black hole.
Mission Patagonia Welcomes Its 2026 Nature Guardians
A small cohort of educators, scientists and environmental leaders will embark March 3-14 to the southern edge of the world for Mission Patagonia, an immersive outdoor environmental education experience designed to foster deep connection to place, people and planet.


