The Pisgah Astronomical Research and Science Education Center (PARSEC) is based at PARI and serves research and education needs for the 16-campus University of North Carolina (UNC) system in astronomy and the related disciplines of physics, math, engineering, environmental science, chemistry and computer science.

Administered by UNC-Asheville, PARSEC provides rare access to large radio telescopes, research-grade optical telescopes and other scientific instruments by coordinating the UNC use of PARI facilities and instruments.

PARSEC’s mission is to make PARI observatories available to UNC researchers and students.  In the process, PARSEC will help develop state-of-the-art instruments to give Western North Carolina a world-class facility capable of attracting scientists and multi-million dollar research grants, and become the cornerstone of a major initiative to attract thousands of visitors and knowledge-based jobs to Western North Carolina.  PARSEC will also develop and facilitate K-16 programs that include research by students and faculty, age-appropriate educational programs, science and technology outreach targeting women and minorities, workshops and seminars.

PARSEC is expected to provide a number of benefits, including intellectual capital formation and the transfer of knowledge through basic and applied research, technology transfer and public service activities.  Additionally, PARSEC will provide an economic stimulus in Western North Carolina through an influx of grants, job creation and visitors.

PARSEC is administered by board of directors composed of members from PARI and UNC.  The board is developing plans for PARSEC’s organizational structure and funding.