Oxford University is to become the centre for scientists wanting to use the Gemini telescopes to study infrared images of astronomical phenomena.
The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council has given the university's physics department Pounds 1.1 million to set up a support group to provide information on the telescopes, support for observing proposals, publicity and education.
The two 8.1 metre Gemini telescopes, sited in Hawaii and Chile, are among the largest in the world. The UK has borne a quarter of the cost of the project, which involves Canada, Chile, Australia, Argentina and Brazil.