This event will commemorate Switzerland joining the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) on 19 January 2022. This makes Switzerland the first country to join the intergovernmental organization’s founding Members by acceding to the SKAO Convention. By joining SKAO, the most ambitious radio astronomy collaboration in the world, Switzerland intends to foster Swiss industry and research while contributing to an international initiative that promises to revolutionize our understanding of the Universe. Discover the hopes and expectations presented by key players during a round-table discussion, including the SKAO Director General and SERI State Secretary.

Welcome speech:
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation

Keynote address:
Catherine Cesarsky, Dr., Chair of the SKAO Council

Expected speakers:
- Philip Diamond, Prof., SKAO Director General
- Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation
- Michel Hübner, Industrial Liaison Adviser, EPFL
- Jean-Paul Kneib, Prof. Dr., Scientific Delegate for the SKACH Consortium for the SKAO
- Olivier Küttel, Head of International affairs at EPFL
- Martin Vetterli, Prof. Dr., President EPFL

Contacts:
- Media enquiries: Hillary Sanctuary, EPFL, hillary.sanctuary@epfl.ch, +41 21 693 70 22
-  Other enquiries: Joanna Jermini-Howard, EPFL, joanna.jermini@epfl.ch, +41 21 693 61 31

Grab a digital front row seat to the event via the livestream: Link