More than 100 astronomers gathered in Bochum last November to discuss the progress and challenges of German radio astronomy. New scientific results and innovative strategies for data management were two of the main topics of the Radio 2023 conference, which took place from 14 to 17 November 2023 at the Ruhr University Bochum. The conference offered over 100 participants the opportunity to engage in intensive dialogue about the development and future of German radio astronomy.
In particular, existing and future participations in telescopes such as LOFAR, MeerKAT, SKA, DSA2000 and ngVLA provided plenty of material for discussion. These instruments form the basis for the work of astronomers and provide researchers with large amounts of data. Innovative approaches are needed to process and analyse the data in order to ensure the further development of the research field of German radio astronomy. The conference therefore also provided an important platform for the operators of national data centres to discuss technical requirements and assess the feasibility of upcoming projects.
Overall, the organisers and participants were satisfied with the results of the conference and described the meeting as a successful forum to ensure a collaborative and informed approach to the further development of the field.