The Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics is a nationally supported research center for studies in theoretical astrophysics including the origin and evolution of the universe, and the many other phenomena revealed by modern astronomy. CITA’s primary missions are to foster interaction within the Canadian astrophysics community and to serve as an international centre of excellence for theo
retical studies in astrophysics. CITA educates and develops the next generation of scientific leaders via National Postdoctoral Fellowships and Postdoctoral and Research Associate Fellowships, and through student supervision at the undergraduate and graduate level. It also fosters interactions through workshops and a vibrant visitor program. Alumni of CITA’s post-doctoral programs hold distinguished positions across Canada and around the globe. CITA gratefully acknowledges support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, and the University of Toronto. It has close administrative and academic relations with the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research; several CITA faculty also serve as members of CIFAR. The concept of a nationally-supported institute for theoretical astrophysics dates back to discussions within the Canadian Astronomical Society in the early 1980s. A series of committees advocated a model of a university‑based institute governed by a council of Canadian astrophysicists. Proposals were solicited from universities across the country to host this institute, which by now had been named the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics/Institut Canadien d'astrophysique theorique (CITA/ICAT). The University of Toronto won the resulting spirited competition, and CITA (University of Toronto) was established as an institute within the School of Graduate Studies in June 1984, with staff consisting of a single professor (Peter G. Martin ) as the Acting Director and a visiting professor from Queen's University (Richard Henriksen) and a temporary administrative assistant. In 2024 the institute is under the leadership of Professor Juna Kollmeier, who is also the Director of SDSS-V. There are 9 faculty members, 19 Postdoctoral Fellows, 8 National Fellows, 21 graduate students, three administrative staff, and a Systems Manager.
