SKA board plans funding model based on science capacity

The Square Kilometre Array telescope could be funded proportionally to the science capacities of the respective member states. A shared funding model for the design and early construction of the facility, to be built in South Africa and Australia, was approved by the SKA board on 18-19 April.

Although a deal is yet to be struck between the nine full member states, the board agreed that an “appropriate funding model based on science capacity is needed for setting a starting point for funding negotiations”.

The board also heard proposals for a “hybrid” governance structure that combines the SKA Organisation’s current status as a legal entity with an inter-governmental agreement between the member states. However, Ian Corbett, UK member of the SKA Site Advisory Committee, said he believed that an inter-governmental agreement is the best option.