JWST Users Committee Meeting – Rocky Worlds Director’s Discretionary Program

The JWST Users Committee (JSTUC) met in person in Baltimore on December 2 and 3, 2025. Presentations included updates on the overall status of the mission, the JWST pipeline, the Rocky Worlds Director’s Discretionary program, Cycle 5 submissions, plans for Cycle 6, and community outreach.

Additionally, there were presentations covering policy changes for Director’s Discretionary programs, options for scaling the Telescope Allocation Committee (TAC) process in the context of the increased number of submissions, Community ToO programs, and a detailed look at planning and scheduling for JWST.

The JSTUC has submitted their report which includes feedback, updates, and formal recommendations.

The report highlights the spectacular scientific productivity of JWST and its user community, and outlines specific recommendations regarding the Deep Space Network, the JWST science budget, JWST operations budget, clear engagement communication, and the scale of the proposal review process.

Are you interested in serving on the JSTUC?

The JSTUC advises STScI and the JWST Project on all aspects of observatory operations. Members must be affiliated with institutions in the U.S., Canada, or in ESA countries, but there is no restriction on citizenship. Membership lasts for three years, and the committee typically meets twice a year, in the spring and in the fall.

Nominations (including self-nominations) may be submitted at any time by email, and are encouraged to include a curriculum vitae and a short cover letter summarizing the nominee’s relevant background and JWST-related interests. Nominations will be considered on a rolling basis, as several members rotate off after every meeting, approximately every six months.

Astrobiology