Dr Phil Diamond, Chief of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, has been appointed director general of the SKA Organisation that will oversee the construction and operation of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.

 

As Chief of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Dr Diamond has been responsible for all of CSIRO's radio astronomy capabilities and other space science activities, including overseeing completion of the ASKAP telescope, one of the world's most advanced radio telescopes and pathfinder for the SKA.

 

Senator Evans will open the ASKAP telescope in WA's mid west with Dr Diamond next month.

The SKA is a $1.9 billion international radio telescope to be constructed in both Australia and South Africa. When complete, it will allow astronomers to survey tens of millions of distant galaxies and collect vast quantities of new data about the universe - providing answers to questions concerning the beginnings of the universe and the nature of dark matter.

 

Dr Diamond will ensure the project is ready to begin building at the end of 2015. He will develop and maintain strategic relationships with national agencies, partners, governments, industry and other private sector entities, along with all other project stakeholders.