Imagine building the biggest ear on Earth to listen to the faintest whispers from the universe. That’s essentially the goal of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, a global effort to create the largest radio telescope arrays ever built. Canada is a key player, and now a new program is training the next generation of scientists to use this incredible tool: the Canadian SKA Scientist Program. This initiative ensures Canadian researchers will be at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries, starting with its first two impressive scientists.
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The SKA Observatory (SKAO), when complete, will revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos, much like how powerful optical telescopes changed how we see distant galaxies. Canada, represented by the National Research Council (NRC), has been involved in defining the science and technology for the SKA for over 40 years. Recognizing the need to prepare for this massive undertaking, the NRC’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre launched the Canadian SKA Scientist Program in late 2024.
“The program aims to help young scientists make their own exciting discoveries and to ensure that all Canadian researchers have effective and equitable access to the full potential of the SKA,” explains Dr. Michael Rupen, the NRC’s SKA program lead. “It will also give future scientific leaders a solid foundation in community support and engagement.” The program provides funding for top-level postdoctoral researchers at Canadian universities, fostering close collaboration with NRC experts and local university mentors.
Meeting the First SKA Scientists
The first two individuals selected for this pioneering program are McGill University PhD candidate Alice Curtin and Dr. Fengqiu (Adam) Dong. They are the inaugural cohort, tasked with helping to build a network of SKA expertise across the country.
Alice Curtin: Chasing Cosmic Flashes
Alice Curtin is currently pursuing her PhD at McGill University’s Trottier Space Institute. Her research dives into the mystery of fast radio bursts (FRBs). Think of FRBs as incredibly powerful, incredibly short radio signals from deep space, lasting just a few milliseconds. Detecting and understanding these fleeting signals is a major challenge in astronomy.
“We’re entering a transformative era in radio astronomy, with Canada at the forefront of this work. The Canadian SKA Scientist Program offers a rare opportunity to represent Canadian radio astronomy on a global stage,” she says. Alice is also passionate about making science accessible, noting her excitement that the program supports community engagement alongside scientific innovation. She will conduct her research at McGill under the guidance of Dr. Jason Hessels, a leading expert in transient astrophysics and co-chair of an SKA Science Working Group.
Alice Curtin, one of the first Canadian SKA Scientists, who studies fast radio bursts, smiling in a red floral shirt
Dr. Hessels, who holds a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Transient Astrophysics at McGill, is thrilled to host Alice. “McGill is a world-leader in radio astronomy,” says Jason. “We are extremely excited to be hosting one of the inaugural Canadian SKA Scientists because it will consolidate our leadership in radio astronomy and put us in an excellent position to develop Canada’s contribution to the SKA.”
Dr. Adam Dong: Unlocking Pulsar Secrets
Dr. Fengqiu (Adam) Dong completed his PhD at the University of British Columbia and recently held a prestigious National Radio Astronomy Observatory Jansky Fellow position. His research focuses on pulsars. Imagine cosmic lighthouses – incredibly dense, rapidly spinning remnants of collapsed stars that emit beams of radio waves. Adam studies these fascinating objects to understand the extreme physics at play.
“I’m honoured and excited to play a role in bringing Canada to the forefront of this once-in-a-lifetime instrument. SKA is the future of radio astronomy for the next decade,” says Adam. He believes the SKA will revolutionize radio astronomy in the same way the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes transformed optical and infrared astronomy. Adam will be based at York University, mentored by Dr. Paul Scholz from the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Dr. Fengqiu (Adam) Dong, a Canadian SKA Scientist focused on pulsars, smiling in a black hoodie
Dr. Scholz highlights the significance of hosting Adam. “The Canadian SKA Scientists will be the future leaders in the revolutionary science that will come out of the SKA. It’s a great opportunity to host one of the first scientists at York,” Paul says. He adds that Adam’s presence will boost radio astronomy expertise at York and strengthen their involvement with the SKA.
The Future of Canadian Radio Astronomy
The launch of the Canadian SKA Scientist Program marks a vital step in ensuring Canada maximizes its participation in the SKA project. By investing in talented researchers like Alice Curtin and Adam Dong, Canada is preparing to lead groundbreaking studies of the universe’s most mysterious phenomena, from fleeting cosmic flashes to steady pulsar beats.
The program plans to welcome more scientists in the future, with a second call for applications expected in the fall of 2025 and annually thereafter. This ongoing investment promises a bright future for Canadian radio astronomy on the world stage.
To learn more about the program, visit the Canadian SKA Scientist Program website.
