1. Peter Wilkinson1 Conclusions 4 th SKADS Workshop, Lisbon, 2-3 October 2008 SKADS aims to –Demonstrate SKA Scientific Viability and Readiness –Demonstrate cost-effective Engineering Solutions and Technological Readiness –Deliver a costed SKA Design SKADS: Stated Objectives “The structure is optimized to continuously map the scientific requirements onto the technical specifications to produce a common design goal.” “The work has clear objectives, milestones and deliverables to provide outcomes in measurable and verifiable form”

2. Peter Wilkinson2 Conclusions 4 th SKADS Workshop, Lisbon, 2-3 October 2008 SKADS Preparation Dec 2002: “Let’s start” meeting at ASTRON Feb 2003: Grenoble (small part) Feb 2003: Medicina Mar 2003: Schiphol May 2003: Jodrell Bank June 2003 Schiphol Sept 2003: Nancay Nov 2003: Florence Nov 2003; Brussels Dec 2003: Schiphol Feb 2004: Madrid Mar 2004: Proposal submitted We took a long time to get the structure “right” and then had many further set-up meetings

3. Peter Wilkinson3 Conclusions 4 th SKADS Workshop, Lisbon, 2-3 October 2008 Conclusions of 2008 Workshop Original plan validated - no need to change course significantly Developing world-leading science and technical simulations setting the standards Leading the development of Aperture Arrays and electronic beam forming –new and highly flexible ways of observing the radio sky - vital for key SKA science objectives including opportunities for new discovery –lots of practical work with highly promising results – beginning to feel “real” Constructing three demonstrators (EMBRACE, 2-PAD, BEST) to test out different aspects these concepts – at this stage there is vitality in diversity Working on state-of-the–art generic sub-system technologies relevant to the SKA – with promising results. Developed a specific implementable vision of the SKA (the SKADS Benchmark Scenario) and a sophisticated cost model (within the international context) The next generation is not neglected…. Many able ( & young) scientists and engineers attracted into SKADS/SKA “family” + Marie Curie training programme Things are going well – but SKADS will end next summer…. New DNA  explosion of “life forms” “Survival of fittest” taking place (Darwinian evolution)

4. Peter Wilkinson4 Conclusions 4 th SKADS Workshop, Lisbon, 2-3 October 2008 Upcoming European challenges More European coherence within international “PrepSKA” required –ESKAC reformed as over-arching focus of effort Securing funding to maintain scope of programme -no specific EC funding as a focus – contrasts with SKADS -PrepSKA programme is vital but not enough to fully cohere Europe -Path2SKA should be a major boost “ AA readiness for Phase 1”: both technically and politically vital ! –Astronomical-grade performances in stand alone and interferometry modes –Environmental robustness on an SKA-type site –Technology choices –AAVP emerging: (A3IV, AA-SEM, DAAVS) and Path2SKA –VERY FOCUSSED European-led programme is crucial for post-SKADS  needs to be planned as a complete whole - like SKADS  will take many meetings to generate the plan (already 3-4 AAVP)  also must incorporate a European dish contribution

5. Peter Wilkinson5 Conclusions 4 th SKADS Workshop, Lisbon, 2-3 October 2008 SKADS Preparation Dec 2002: “Let’s start” meeting at ASTRON Feb 2003: Grenoble (small part) Feb 2003: Medicina Mar 2003: Schiphol May 2003: Jodrell Bank June 2003 Schiphol Sept 2003: Nancay Nov 2003: Florence Nov 2003; Brussels Dec 2003: Schiphol Feb 2004: Madrid Mar 2004: Proposal submitted We took a long time to get the structure “right” and then had many further set-up meetings

6. Peter Wilkinson6 Conclusions 4 th SKADS Workshop, Lisbon, 2-3 October 2008 Next meetings….. End October 2008: DSP/RFI algorithms Medicina 10-14 November 2008: WP2 Kick-off Manchester January 21/22 2009: SKADS Board + ESKAC (AAVP) Madrid Feb 18-20 2009: SKA2009 Workshop on high DR imaging Capetown June 2009: Final SKADS Board + ESKAC (AAVP) ???? October 2009: 5 th SKADS Workshop + ESKAC (AAVP) Dwingeloo