Curtin led Centre of Excellence in Radio Astronomy announced
3 March 2008
Curtin University of Technology is the lead institution for the new multi-million dollar Centre of Excellence for Radio Astronomy and Engineering that was announced last week by the Premier as part of a significant effort by the State to help Australia secure the world’s largest radio astronomy project – the $2billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
The new Centre of Excellence is a joint initiative of Curtin University of Technology and The University of Western Australia and will help establish WA as a major science and engineering hub for the development and deployment of the SKA.
Curtin’s leadership in radio astronomy will be further enhanced by recent key appointments, including Professor Steven Tingay and his team of four post doctoral fellows in radio astronomy, along with Professor Peter Hall as the Chair of Radio Astronomy Engineering at Curtin. These prominent appointments will increase Curtin’s strong research and teaching capability in radio astronomy.
Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice-Chancellor of Curtin, highlighted the benefits this global mega-science project will have for the State and emphasised Curtin’s ongoing commitment to be a significant contributor to this project.
“Curtin is committed to boosting Australia’s chances of winning the SKA project as this will result in significant opportunities to showcase WA-based enterprises to the world in the lead-up to the SKA site decision,” Professor Hacket said.
“This new Centre of Excellence will move Australia into the best possible position to win the SKA site bid, which is expected in 2011.”
“We know Australia has the world’s best site coupled with the engineering and scientific excellence to support the SKA. The Centre of Excellence in Radio Astronomy and Engineering will ensure WA’s involvement and return from this $2 billion project.
“Curtin also welcomes the Premier’s related announcement of a $20m commitment to establish an International Radio Astronomy Research Centre in Western Australia., incorporating universities, government and industry.”
