The SKA Approach to Sustainable Research

Abstract

Abstract The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is an ambitious project to build a research infrastructure that will enable breakthrough science and discoveries not otherwise possible with current or planned astronomy facilities. Comprising two radio telescopes it will ultimately be the largest scientific instrument on Earth, both in physical scale and in terms of the volume of data it will generate. Like all infrastructures, there is a requirement for SKA to demonstrate where benefits have been realised from past investment, and the potential for future ongoing benefits from technology and knowledge transfer and innovations. The essay discusses the range of non-science benefits for the funders and for wider society going beyond SKA’s core scientific mission and the challenges of thinking about regional impacts when designing a global research infrastructure.