The UK-based international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory (SKAO) has announced its selection as the organisation’s next director-general. She is Professor Jessica Dempsey, an Australian who is currently director of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (better known as ASTRON). She will replace the current director-general, Britain's Professor Philip Diamond, who will have headed the SKAO and its predecessor entity, the SKA Organisation, for 14 years by the time his current term ends (at the end of May 2026).

The SKAO is overseeing the current construction, and will oversee the operation, of the world’s biggest ever radio telescope. This took the form of two arrays, one each in South African and Australia, covering different radio frequency ranges. The SKAO currently had 12 full-member States.

“I am amazed to be asked to take up this role, especially at such a vital time for this wonderful Observatory,” said Dempsey. “I am humbled, as Phil is a tough act to follow, and excited to join an incredibly talented and dedicated global team. We are building an unprecedented discovery engine that will transform what we understand of the Universe, and I am most thrilled at the opportunity to ensure the SKAO has a true global impact. The SKA project is a human endeavour, and will be a human achievement.”

“The calibre of candidates for this role was extraordinarily high,” affirmed the SKAO Ccouncil chair, Italy’s Dr Filippo Zerbi. “It is a unique challenge to lead the SKAO, an observatory involving 16 partner countries, tasked with breaking new ground in our understanding of the Universe and ensuring that wider benefits are felt across society. Jessica is not only an extremely capable leader, but has also demonstrated a deep commitment to the SKAO’s success and its values as director of ASTRON. I extend my congratulations to her on behalf of the whole SKAO council.”

Dempsey will oversee the transition of the SKA into the science verification phase. Science verification is when scientists will gain access to early SKA data. This is scheduled to start in the first semester of 2027. Construction will continue in parallel to this. Her term of office, commencing at the start of June next year, will run for five years.

“This is a demanding role, with the need to balance scientific, political, diplomatic, financial and many other considerations, but I have full faith in Jessica’s ability to lead this extraordinary organisation through its next chapter,” averred Diamond. “The Observatory will be in very good hands.”