German radio astronomy faces challenges due to its participation in existing and under-construction telescopes (e.g. LOFAR, MeerKAT, SKA) that require close cooperation between those involved at the national level. The extensive and complex amounts of data from these telescopes require the development of novel information technologies. In particular, the future-oriented data challenges of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) enable the participating institutions and scientists to further expand their international leadership.
The association coordinates and supports the scientific, technical and organizational aspects for the development, construction and networking of the data infrastructure required for the use of data-intensive radio telescopes. The association represents the interests of the universities and research institutions involved nationally and internationally.