The NASA IRTF Keck Users' Group (NIKUG) reviews all aspects of the operations of both IRTF and Keck, including budgets, observing proposal review, visitor support, telescope performance, maintenance, instrumentation, operational procedures, scientific results, and future plans. The group meets twice a year and reports to NASA Headquarters. Members of the NIKUG are drawn from the user communities of the IRTF, Keck and NASA facilities. The NIKUG interacts closely with NASA Astrophysics Division and Planetary Science Division staff to ensure that the facilities are supporting NASA’s needs through the effective use of the facilities by the science community. The NIKUG provides valuable community feedback to guide the use of the facilities to maximize the scientific return

IRTF and Keck staff pictured with the NIKUG members in May 2026.

NIKUG contact - Chair (2025B-2027A): Mike Cushing.

The NIKUG is administered by NExScI. The NIKUG Charter sets out the roles and responsibilities of the NIKUG. Current members of the NIKUG are listed here.