Prof. Jessica Dempsey to be next SKAO director-general

BY CASSANDRA CAVALLARO (SKAO)

Next year will see a leadership change at the top of the SKAO for the first time in 14 years.

Prof. Jessica Dempsey will take over as director-general in June 2026, succeeding Prof. Philip Diamond when he completes his term in May. He also served as director-general of the SKAO’s predecessor – the SKA Organisation – from 2012, and oversaw the establishment of the Observatory as an intergovernmental organisation.

Prof. Dempsey was appointed following a thorough selection process and final decision by the SKAO Council, the Observatory’s governing body representing each of its member states.

Currently the Director of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), she is a renowned radio astronomer with extensive experience in senior leadership, having previously been deputy director of the East Asian Observatory in Hawai'i, USA. Prof. Dempsey has also demonstrated a commitment to creating greater diversity, equity and opportunity at all levels of astronomy, and has spoken extensively about creating inclusive practices in the workplace.

As the next SKAO director-general, she will oversee the Observatory as it transitions into its science verification phase, as well as the continued construction of both arrays in Australia and South Africa. Science verification is when the science community will gain access to early SKAO data, due to begin in the first half of 2027.

“I am amazed to be asked to take up this role, especially at such a vital time for this wonderful observatory. I am humbled, as Phil is a tough act to follow, and excited to join an incredibly talented and dedicated global team,” Prof. Dempsey said.

“We are building an unprecedented discovery engine that will transform what we understand of the Universe, and I am most thrilled at the opportunity to ensure that the SKAO has a true global impact. The SKA project is a human endeavour, and will be a human achievement.”