The Centro de Astrofísica da universidade do Porto is a scientific private association of the University, recognized of public utility, which started its activities in October 1990. It's the largest astronomy research institute in Portugal, and was evaluated as Excellent by the last two international panels, organized under the auspices of the national science foundation (FCT) since 2001. Its objectives include the promotion and support of Astronomy through: * research, * education at the graduate and undergraduate levels, * activities for Primary and Secondary Schools * science outreach and popularization of Astronomy.