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METIS is one of the first three scientific instruments on the ELT, expected to see first light in 2025. METIS will provide diffraction limited imaging, coronagraphy, and low resolution slit spectroscopy over the 3 -19µm range. Furthermore, METIS will provide a unique combination of high resolution (R ~ 100,000) integral field spectroscopy and coronagraphy from 2.9 -5.3µm. The latter can be reconfigured to obtain a wider instantaneous wavelength coverage in exchange for integral field coverage. While METIS is a multi-purpose instrument for a wide range of infrared astronomy, its greatest strengths will be in the studies of exoplanets and proto-planetary disks.After two years into the preliminary design phase, the design of METIS has reached an advanced stage. This paper provides an update on the areas which have most advanced in the recent past: the main science drivers, the optical and opto-mechanical design, adaptive optics and the coronagraphy concept. We also describe the calibration of the instrument, give an overview of its observation modes, and present the schedule toward first light.

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SHORT ABSTRACTThe progress and results of the ongoing FP7-FISICA programme to re-asses the scientific goals of a Far-Infrared Space Interfereometer and push the development of some of its key technology elements are reported.