The Radio Group develops systems that efficiently receive and transform electromagnetic waves from the Universe to electronical signals suitable for computer processing.

The Computing Group focuses on the measurements that are needed to transform the digital signal of the telescopes into astronomical data. This concerns enormous amounts of data: terabytes per second! Therefore we work with supercomputers, fast glass fiber networks and innovative storage systems.

The observers are part of the Radio Observatory (RO). They are responsible for everything concerning our telescopes. They are responsible for the observations with the Westerbork Synthese Radio Telescope (WSRT) and the LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) telescope.

The main drive for our astronomers is curiosity. Curiosity about the structure and history of the universe, the galaxies in it and the stars in it. Our astronomers engage on a daily basis in the development of ideas and theories. Besides they engage in the design, construction and use of (radio) telescopes and publishing the results.

The mission of the digital signal processing group is to unveil the mysteries of the universe through the use of advanced digital systems. The goal of these systems is to retrieve astronomical information from large quantities of data. The data and the process of signal processing is so comprehensive, we develop these systems ourselves (a kind of computer).

Within the Research & Development department we have the System Design & Integration (SD&I)-group. SD&I works on the translation of astronomical requirements into technical requirements. This is important in developing modern, advanced telescopes.

The Technical Support Group (TSG) provides support to the development- and engineering groups. TSG helps in the realization of the technical projects. TSG is a useful partner in many project teams and projects. They have wide practical expertise and experience. Besides they have unique powerful in house facilities.

Our astronomical support group supports the astronomers and observers. The group is an important link between the internal processes of the observatory and with the external community of astronomers. The group is responsible for the optimization of scientific output in both instruments as our radio telescopes.

The group covers the mechanical design of telescopes and instruments. Current radio telescopes, often consist of large numbers of sensors. So our mechanics group has extensive knowledge and experience in industrial design. Besides they have a lot of experience in the design of cost effective production of large numbers of telescopes. That includes the strength and stiffness calculations.

Because ASTRON consists of four divisions each division of has its own secretarial department. That is why we have different administrative and secretarial functions. Administrative and secretarial functions support both the departments as the head of an department. We also have secretaries for our management.

Our facilities department is responsible for our company facilities. The facilities department has a supporting role in ASTRON. Because they provide all necessary facilities, all of the staff can do their work well. Among the responsibilities of the department are the canteen, reception, events, warehouse and security. In addition to our office, we have a guest house, a kind of mini hotel with ten rooms.

The department Finance, Planning & Control (FP&C) handles the financial administration, purchases and the planning and control of the organisation.  The department includes the employees of Finance, Purchasing and Planning Control. Finance staff take care of the complete financial administration of ASTRON. This includes budgets and financial statements. They also give advise about financial issues. Besides they perform services for other institutes.

The Human recourses department has several responsibilities. The department is responsible for  our HR-policy and the implementation hereof. Besides the department gives advice and support to supervisors and employees on diverse HR-instruments, HR-policy and other HR matters.

ICT is very important for us, we use many computer systems, networks, databases and software every day. It is important for us that this always works. Our IT department ensures that our information and communication technologies are in order.

The people in the COMPAS group are systems engineers and project managers, whose goal is to ensure that our technical projects are well managed and deliver high-quality results. This aim is captured in our mission statement: "Helping projects succeed in an environment based on trust and transparency."