Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 18 hours ago
The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is an intergovernmental organisation composed of Member States and partner organisations from five continents, headquartered in the UK. Its mission is to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes to transform our understanding of the Universe and deliver benefits to society through global collaboration and innovation.
Its two telescopes, under construction in Australia and South Africa, will be the two most advanced radio telescopes on Earth. Together with other state-of-the-art research facilities, the SKAO’s telescopes will explore the unknown frontiers of science and deepen our understanding of key processes, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, fundamental physics in extreme environments and the origins of life.
The SKA telescopes have been in the discussion and planning stages for decades but we have now reached the really exciting stage where we can see science very clearly on the horizon. From our first low-frequency antennas and dishes on the ground in Australia and South Africa, to our first early images, I will give an update on the construction and scientific milestones both realised and ahead of us. I will also talk about how we are developing plans to operate the world’s two largest telescopes and ensure the efficient and impactful delivery of transformational science.
Speaker biography:
Dr Shari Breen is an Australian astronomer and Head of Science Operations at the SKAO. Her journey into astronomy began at the University of Tasmania, where she completed her PhD in 2010. Her early research focused on using cosmic masers — natural radio wave emitters — to trace the formation of massive stars.
Following her PhD, Shari earned a prestigious Bolton Fellowship at CSIRO, deepening her expertise in radio observations using Australia's premier telescopes. She led major surveys that mapped maser emissions across the Milky Way, helping to refine our understanding of the evolution of high-mass star formation. Awarded an ARC DECRA Fellowship and later recognised as a L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow, Shari established herself as a leading figure in the field.
In 2016 Shari transitioned to the University of Sydney while continuing major collaborations in radio astronomy. Her career trajectory evolved further with her growing involvement in the SKA project, an international effort to build the world's largest radio telescope. As SKAO’s Head of Science Operations, Shari bridges the technical and scientific communities, ensuring the SKA will efficiently deliver transformative science.
Beyond her technical leadership, Shari is a passionate advocate for public engagement and diversity in STEM. She regularly speaks at festivals and in media interviews, inspiring new generations of scientists. Through her research, leadership, and outreach, she hopes to help shape the future of radio astronomy, opening new windows into our understanding of the Universe.
ras.ac.uk/events-and-meetings/friends-ras/friends-ras-only-lecture-realising-two-largest-radio-telescopes
The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is an intergovernmental organisation composed of Member States and partner organisations from five continents, headquartered in the UK. Its mission is to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes to transform our understanding of the Universe and deliver benefits to society through global collaboration and innovation.
Its two telescopes, under construction in Australia and South Africa, will be the two most advanced radio telescopes on Earth. Together with other state-of-the-art research facilities, the SKAO’s telescopes will explore the unknown frontiers of science and deepen our understanding of key processes, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, fundamental physics in extreme environments and the origins of life.
The SKA telescopes have been in the discussion and planning stages for decades but we have now reached the really exciting stage where we can see science very clearly on the horizon. From our first low-frequency antennas and dishes on the ground in Australia and South Africa, to our first early images, I will give an update on the construction and scientific milestones both realised and ahead of us. I will also talk about how we are developing plans to operate the world’s two largest telescopes and ensure the efficient and impactful delivery of transformational science.
Speaker biography:
Dr Shari Breen is an Australian astronomer and Head of Science Operations at the SKAO. Her journey into astronomy began at the University of Tasmania, where she completed her PhD in 2010. Her early research focused on using cosmic masers — natural radio wave emitters — to trace the formation of massive stars.
Following her PhD, Shari earned a prestigious Bolton Fellowship at CSIRO, deepening her expertise in radio observations using Australia's premier telescopes. She led major surveys that mapped maser emissions across the Milky Way, helping to refine our understanding of the evolution of high-mass star formation. Awarded an ARC DECRA Fellowship and later recognised as a L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow, Shari established herself as a leading figure in the field.
In 2016 Shari transitioned to the University of Sydney while continuing major collaborations in radio astronomy. Her career trajectory evolved further with her growing involvement in the SKA project, an international effort to build the world's largest radio telescope. As SKAO’s Head of Science Operations, Shari bridges the technical and scientific communities, ensuring the SKA will efficiently deliver transformative science.
Beyond her technical leadership, Shari is a passionate advocate for public engagement and diversity in STEM. She regularly speaks at festivals and in media interviews, inspiring new generations of scientists. Through her research, leadership, and outreach, she hopes to help shape the future of radio astronomy, opening new windows into our understanding of the Universe.
ras.ac.uk/events-and-meetings/friends-ras/friends-ras-only-lecture-realising-two-largest-radio-telescopes
