Speakers
Description
This session will provide an overview of recent progress across the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), with updates from both SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Australia. Speakers will highlight developments in telescope construction, system integration, commissioning and preparations for early science operations, illustrating how the Observatory is advancing toward becoming one of the world’s most powerful radio astronomy facilities.
In addition to technical and operational updates, the session will explore emerging thinking around the role of Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) within the SKA era. Particular attention will be given to VLBI collaboration and training initiatives in Africa, also highlighting efforts to build scientific capacity, strengthen regional networks, and enable greater participation by African researchers in global radio astronomy programmes.