This network is directly associated with the Spanish participation in the SKA Observatory (SKAO), which will be the largest scientific
infrastructure on the planet. Its construction began in 2021. Spain will finalise its membership in the SKAO Intergovernmental Organisation in 2023, thanks to its commitment to contribute 41.5 M in ten years, thus giving REDSKA a strategic character.
The first data from the SKAO precursor telescopes are currently being produced, while the SKA Global Network of Regional Centres (SRCNet), the scientific hub where SKA data are to be hosted and exploited, is being prototyped. The Spanish SRC prototype (SPSRC), developed at the IAA, is currently in operation, serving scientific projects. Concurrently, it serves as an international benchmark with a prominent role in the application of Open Science principles. We are therefore in a unique position to support the Spanish community in its preparation and positioning for full participation in SKA science. Also, the tenders for contracts assigned to Spain will take place in 2023-24 and the SKAO Development Program (SODP) will commence during the first years of construction.
REDSKA has two main objectives: First, to help the Spanish community strengthen its leadership in the use of SKA precursors and to prepare for the Key Science Projects. The selection of these projects will assess the capability to provide resources that will guarantee a full exploitation of data of expected volume and complexity. For this, the network aims to promote the complementarity between members scientific projects (covering areas of astrophysics, astrobiology and fundamental physics). REDSKA will also ensure that the SPSRC develops in accordance with the specific needs of the national community, while optimising existing resources, supported by its members from expert technology centres in HPC and computing. In addition, REDSKA seeks to ensure that the development of the SRCNet is aligned with the needs of the Spanish community, thus providing a competitive advantage. Another main objective is to contribute to preserving Spanish technological leadership and optimising the current investment and return and that of the new SODP, continuing a close collaboration with CDTI. It is important to take advantage of the fact that we are facing a new phase with a starting point that is decidedly superior to the previous one.
Thus we define a series of actions aimed at involving the community collaboratively, seeking and disseminating advancement of knowledge in scientific and/or social impact areas, and carrying out scientific-technical activities of advisory nature. REDSKA brings together 15 groups from 14 centres with complementary lines of research, and the collaboration within the framework of the network will allow them to further their own research, financed e.g. by national research calls projects.
The network will form a forum for advice, exchange of knowledge and detection of opportunities. It will be led by the team that coordinates the Spanish participation in SKA, together with a transversal community that has the complementary experience in science and technology necessary to maximise our participation in the SKA. The activities of the network contribute to the internationalisation and interdisciplinarity of the groups, and have a strong social character by promoting values such as diversity, Open Science and collaborations with Africa.