Australia welcomes the SKA to the 'ideas boom'

Ideas boom poster.

08 December 2015

On Monday 7 December, the Australian Government took an important step towards hosting the SKA when the Prime Minister announced a provisional funding allocation for the project as part of its National Innovation and Science Agenda.

The Agenda sets out the Government’s vision for using innovation and science to drive growth, jobs and prosperity.

As part of the announcement, $293.7 million over 10 years was set aside to meet Australia’s initial commitment to the SKA. The allocation means that pending a successful conclusion to the Convention negotiations now underway and the development of a satisfactory business case, funding is available to meet Australia’s obligations to the construction and initial operation of Phase 1 of the SKA.

This final decision on Australia’s involvement is expected to occur in the second half of 2016.

“Among other things, the announcement includes a number of positive initiatives for CSIRO,” said Lewis Ball, Director of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, “This is a positive development and a major step towards Australia co-hosting the SKA telescope.”

Further information is available in official statement as well as on the Australian SKA website.

Additionally, information is also available on CSIRO’s innovation potential and how the organisation will benefit from other areas of the Innovation Statement.

 

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