Overview

The ATNF Radio School 2026 is an immersive training program designed for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and early career astronomers who want to build solid foundations in radio interferometry and hands-on data skills. Hosted by CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) at the Paul Wild Observatory on Gomeroi Country, near Narrabri, NSW, this year’s school blends core theory with practical calibration and imaging tutorials at one of Australia’s premier radio astronomy facilities. The site is home to our Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA).

Over the course of the week, participants will learn the fundamentals of radio interferometry, antenna calibration, data flagging and imaging through a mix of expert-led lectures and interactive, practical sessions. Unique to 2026, the program will feature tutorials making use of ATCA’s new Broadband Integrated GPU Correlator (BIGCAT), the next-generation correlator system that significantly expands ATCA’s instantaneous bandwidth and data flexibility, giving attendees early experience with cutting-edge correlator operations and data pipelines. 

The 2026 Radio School is aimed at PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in astronomy. The Radio School offers a supportive environment to engage deeply with real interferometric data, develop essential calibration and imaging workflows, and connect with leaders in the field. No prior experience with radio astronomy is required.

For those students who are unable to attend the Radio School in-person in Narrabri, a virtual option will be available for the lectures.

Information regarding the 2026 Radio School can be found on the School’s webpage.

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