WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST)

WFIRST is a compelling space astronomy mission that will investigate key questions related to dark energy, dark matter and gravity, characterize exoplanets and study galactic and extragalactic populations in unprecedented detail and scope. The current proposed AFTA conguration is superior to the design that was the top-ranked space priority in both the LRP 2010 and the U.S. Decadal Survey. Excellent opportunities exist for Canadian participation in WFIRST science and instrumentation. We recommend that Canada contribute a signicant component of the instrumentation, that access to science team participation be negotiated for all Canadian astronomers and that a mechanism be created to provide postdoctoral support for these research eorts.