UK invests big in SKA

2 April 2014 News

UK science minister, David Willetts, announced that the United Kingdom will provide a funding boost for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project to the tune of £100 million.

Emphasising just how big a deal the SKA is to the world’s scientific community, Willetts declared upon announcing the investment that “After the International Space Station and the Large Hadron Collider the world’s next great science project is the Square Kilometre Array.

He also illustrated the kingdom’s long-view approach to science by saying that “Investment in science is a crucial part of this government’s long-term economic plan. It’s about investing in our future, helping grow new industries and create more jobs – and that will mean more financial security for people across the country.”

This represents a major investment in the SKA, whose first phase of construction has been cost-capped at €650M. Under the current schedule for the project, funding for construction of Phase 1 is due to be confirmed by 2016 with the start of construction expected in 2018 and early science expected to start in 2020.

The UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) also confirmed that it is investing £19 million over the next four years in the SKA project, made up of a capital investment in ‘big data’ of £11 million and a further £2 million a year in the ongoing core programme.

Further reading:

What’s new in Altium Designer
EDA Technologies News
Altium has released a major update to its Altium Designer suite version 23.10, with many new features added.

Read more...

---

SIMCom Symposium 2024
Otto Wireless Solutions News
Otto Wireless Solutions, in conjunction with SIMCom Wireless Solutions, will be hosting a free half-day seminar in Johannesburg – The SIMCom Symposium 2024.

Read more...

---

From the editor's desk: Exciting times ahead?
Technews Publishing News
There are many subjects that excite me in this world, but two of the larger technical subjects are, firstly, renewable energy, and secondly, the idea of artificial intelligence as it continues to evolve ...

Read more...

---

Microchip expands partnership with TSMC
News
Microchip Technology has announced it has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialised 40 nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Read more...

---

Huge SA grid battery project
News
A standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) has won preferred bidder status under South Africa’s Energy Storage Capacity Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (ESIPPPP).

Read more...

---

Mouser sponsors NCP Cup 2024
News
The NXP Cup is an EMEA-based autonomous car competition, presented by NXP Semiconductors, which is designed to provide students with real-world experiences in autonomous vehicle programming and building.

Read more...

---

TrinaTracker brings its smart solar tracking to SA
News
The Vanguard 1P is designed to provide customers with trackers that combine suitability for flat terrain, together with outstanding system stability and reliability, quick installation, and flexible external compatibility.

Read more...

---

Nordex adding 830 MW of wind generation
News
Nordex Energy South Africa will be adding 830 MW of wind energy generation capacity to the company’s already-installed 1 GW base.

Read more...

---

Invertek produces its three millionth drive
iTek Drives News
Invertek Drives Ltd, a global manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD, just three years after its two-million milestone.

Read more...

---

Analog Devices’ digital storefront is live
News
Analog Devices has designed an improved digital experience with users in mind – a new analog.com website and eShop.

Read more...

---