AI in Radio Astronomy Workshop:
Preparing the UK for the SKA Data Future
19th - 20th of March 2026
Please submit abstract by the 23rd of February
and register by the 10th of March.
Aim of the workshop
This workshop will bring together the UK radio astronomy community to understand how artificial intelligence and data-driven methods will shape SKA-era science, and to ensure the UK's digital infrastructure, including the UK's SKA Regional Centre (ukSRC) , is ready for the data-intensive challenges ahead. Hosted at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (ROE) , the workshop is jointly organised by the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) , the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics (JBCA) , and the ukSRC, and funded by UKRI's Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) .
This workshop is funded by UKRI's Digital Research Infrastructure, and financial support is available to a limited number of participants, with priority going to early career researchers. Please register early (by 23rd February) and indicate in the registration form if you'd like to request support; we expect to confirm request by 27th February.
Scope
AI/ML in era of SKA
This workshop will focus on the role of machine learning and AI in the fast-approaching era of SKA observations, serving as a forum to discuss current practice, emerging plans, and future needs, with the goal of identifying the scientific, technical, and policy priorities required to support responsible and effective AI use across the UK SKA astronomy community. This will be a great opportunity to ensure that your science and interests are represented!
The 1.5 day workshop will be organized around three key areas, where we are looking for your input:
- Scientific drivers for AI in radio astronomy: how do you and your team plan to use AI/ML for SKA-related science?
- Technical enablers that make AI adoption possible: what are the computing facilities you will rely on?
- Policy requirements for responsible and effective use of AI/ML: what is your approach to metascience principles such as FAIR data, sustainability, and transparency?
To prepare for the workshop, please take a moment to fill in this pre-workshop survey on Machine Learning and AI in Radio Astronomy
Support to Participate
This workshop is funded by UKRI's Digital Research Infrastructure, and financial support is available to a limited number of participants, with priority going to early career researchers. Please register early (by 23rd February) and indicate in the registration form if you'd like to request support; we expect to confirm request by 27th February.
Organising Committee
Committee Members
Rob Beswick (JBCA/UMan/ukSRC)
Anjali Bhatt (UKATC/STFC)
Louise Chisholm (UCL/ukSRC)
Ian Collier (SC/STFC/ukSRC)
Bradley Frank (UKATC/STFC)
Vincent Geers (UKATC/STFC)
Ailidh Kinney (UKATC/STFC)
Mark Nicol (UKATC/STFC)
Chris Pearson (RAL/STFC)
Gregor Soutar (UKATC/STFC)
Abstract Submission & Registration
Please submit registrations with abstract and/or request for financial support by the 23rd of February 2026.
Workshop talks and financial support are expected to be confirmed by the 27th of February. Final date for registration is 10th of March 2026.
Dates
Abstract Deadline:
23rd of February 2026
Registration Deadline:
10th of March 2026
Workshop Duration:
19th of March (full day)
20th of March (morning)
Venue
Accommodation
Edinburgh is well-served for accommodation. Please see the
for suggestions.
Location
The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh is situated on Blackford Hill, to the south of the city, and should not be confused with the pre-1893 Royal Observatory (or City Observatory) on Calton Hill. The Royal Observatory is sign-posted from the Cameron Toll roundabout, Mayfield Road and Blackford Avenue.
From Edinburgh Waverley railway station
Edinburgh's principal railway station, Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), is well placed on the UK rail network and is served by a number of rail operators. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Taxi
The taxi rank is on Market Street, follow signs in station. A black cab will cost around £12-£15 and should take around 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Bus
See below for details about buses from the city centre.
Bus from the city centre
From Cameron Toll Shopping Centre: (bus + 20 minute walk)
Many buses regularly travel from the City Centre to Cameron Toll Shopping Centre including the 3, 8, 12, 24, 29, 31, 33, 37 and 37A. Alight at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre. Walk west (left) on Lady Road. Cross the Craigmillar junction and continue walking on Esslemont Road. Go straight across to West Mains Road. Continue walking until you come to Observatory Road on your left. Go through the red sandstone archway and continue to the top of the hill.
From Blackford Avenue: (bus + 10 to 15 minute walk)
Take the 24 from Princes Street or the 41 from the Mound (Art Galleries) in Edinburgh’s City Centre and alight at Blackford Station. Walk along the second half of Blackford Avenue (away from the City Centre) until you reach the red sandstone archway at the bottom of Observatory Road. Turn right and climb the hill. Every half hour the 41 continues up the second half of Blackford Avenue to Kings Buildings so you can alight close to the red sandstone arch.
Additional buses
Service 38: Connects the Royal Observatory and King's Buildings (stops on West Mains Road) with Morningside, Gorgie and the Balgreen tram stop (providing a convenient connection to Edinburgh airport that avoids the city centre).
From the City Bypass: (by car)
Leave the bypass at Straiton Junction. Follow the signs to Edinburgh South and City Centre (A701). Follow along Howdenhall Road and continue down Liberton Brae. Take a left-hand fork onto Mayfield Road. At the lights, turn left onto West Mains Road and continue until you come to the red sandstone archway at the foot of Observatory Road. Turn left and go to the top of the hill.
From Edinburgh Airport
A journey to the ROE takes about 20–30 minutes (longer at peak times).
Leave the airport and join the A8 heading for Edinburgh. Proceed along this road until you reach the Gogar roundabout. Turn right onto the A720 city bypass southbound. Leave the bypass at Straiton Junction. Follow the signs to Edinburgh South and City Centre (A701). Follow along Howdenhall Road and continue down Liberton Brae. Take a left-hand fork onto Mayfield Road. At the lights, turn left onto West Mains Road and continue until you come to the red sandstone archway at the foot of Observatory Road. Turn left and go to the top of the hill.
Tram
A tram service connects Edinburgh Airport with the city centre, running at least every 10 minutes from early morning until late night. Get off at Princes Street and then catch the number 9 bus on Hanover Street direct to King's Buildings campus or ROE, see below for more details.
Two alternative tram connections avoiding the city centre - get off the tram at Balgreen and take bus number 38 to West Mains Road or ROE, or get off the tram at Haymarket and take bus number 12 to Mayfield Road.
Bus
Airlink 100 runs from the airport terminal to the city centre. This is a limited-stop express bus running every 10 minutes, 24 hours per day. Get off the bus at the final stop then walk to Hanover Street and take bus number 9 direct to King's Building campus or ROE, see below for more details.