The Astrophysics Initiative in Dalmatia (ApID) is a collaboration of scientists and educators who share the common goal of advancing astronomy and astrophysics in the region of Dalmatia. The core ApID activities include the astrophysics graduate program at the University of Split, research projects that complement and enhance the graduate program, and logistical support to educational and outreach projects. The graduate program is approved by the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education, and hosted by the Department of Physics at the University of Split. It is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2008 and will conform to the highest quality standards in science and education.

Designed from the beginning to follow the best international practices, this program will help minimize the loss of highly skilled and educated people from Croatia and enable a brain gain of both Croatian and foreign scientists. ApID will further enhance these achievements by bringing international research projects and collaborations to Croatia. Two highly interdisciplinary research directions in modern astrophysics will be pursued: "From dust to life" with topics concerning extrasolar planets and astrobiology, and "Large-scale computations and data mining" with topics bridging astrophysics and computer science. The experience gained through ApID programs will be applicable to other disciplines, and in the wider region of South Eastern Europe. Its success will set an example of how to initiate, organize and manage similar projects at other institutions in Croatia and in transitional countries in general.

The education and research programs will be combined with strong outreach activities to increase the ApID's public visibility and enhance fundraising opportunities. Several outreach projects are already underway in collaboration with the non-government non-profit organization Society znanost.org.

In the next five years, ApID will help create conditions for establishing two senior astrophysics faculty positions, at least four postdoctoral positions, and several visiting scientist positions at the Department of Physics of the University of Split. The hiring plan also includes support staff for fund-raising, public relations, and outreach activities. The projected annual operation costs for ApID are 500,000 Euros, with one third of the budget already secured through the University of Split.

ApID is envisioned as a center of excellence in modern aspects of tertiary teaching, research in astronomy and astrophysics, implementation of information technology, advancement of multidisciplinary studies, and the production of a technically trained work force.

ApID will develop a strong, internationally competitive teaching program. Its exciting and innovative higher education program will be combined with world-class research and outreach programs. This will enable ApID to produce outstanding scientists and entrepreneurs who will have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the global market economy. They will also be leaders capable of adopting and disseminating new knowledge for the benefit of their local communities.

• Human capital development (technically trained work-force)
• Attraction of young people to careers in science and technology
• Fostering interdisciplinary connections between astronomy and other disciplines
• Cutting edge scientific research
• Knowledge development and its dissemination
• Improvement of education systems in South Eastern Europe