Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is a prominent example of how large-scale scientific ambitions intersect with local cultural, environmental, and political concerns. Intended as one of the world’s most advanced astronomical observatories, the TMT has faced significant and sustained opposition from indigenous communities in Hawaiʻi, challenging its initial plans to build on Mauna Kea, a site of cultural and spiritual importance. This case study explores how the TMT project navigates stakeholder conflicts, analyzing how local resistance is sustained and how international scientific collaborations respond to complex socio-political landscapes. By focusing on the intersection of scientific aspirations and community interests, the study sheds light on the broader dynamics shaping the governance of major research infrastructure.