The LOFAR2.0 project
LOFAR2.0 is expanding Europe’s ability to observe the universe at the lowest radio frequencies detectable from Earth. But why measure these radio waves? They help us explore fundamental questions - like how galaxies evolve, how black holes behave, or whether Earth-like planets exist elsewhere. Radio waves can also reveal hidden regions of space, such as star-forming areas or distant exoplanets. According to Wim van Cappellen, Head of Strategic Programs at ASTRON, radio astronomy is a relatively young science. It emerged after World War II, when radar technology first revealed that space emits radio waves. Since then, it has revolutionised our understanding of the cosmos and earned six Nobel Prizes.The LOFAR2.0 programme has a total budget of €28.9 million and is coordinated by ASTRON for the LOFAR ERIC. It brings together partners from across Europe, including Bulgaria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom - highlighting the strength of international collaboration in advancing our understanding of the universe.
So LOFAR, so good
The original LOFAR (Low-Frequency Array), launched in 2010, is one of the most advanced radio telescopes. Unlike traditional telescopes with large moving dishes, LOFAR uses hundreds static antennas that digitise incoming signals. These signals are combined digitally, offering great flexibility without the need for moving parts. LOFAR2.0 builds on this foundation to observe even lower frequencies. This is scientifically challenging because Earth’s ionosphere distorts these signals, like ripples on water. To overcome this, LOFAR2.0 uses more antennas simultaneously and precisely aligns their clocks, improving calibration and image quality. This allows researchers to produce high-resolution images at frequencies never before explored in such detail. The project is currently upgrading hardware and software, with early observations planned next year and full science operations soon after. LOFAR2.0 is a nine-to-ten-year effort aimed at opening a new window on the universe.
European collaboration: LOFAR and wide
LOFAR2.0 highlights the strength of pan-European collaboration in strengthening science. Since December 2023, LOFAR2.0 operates under the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), which provides a legal and financial framework for multiple countries to collaborate effectively. Van Cappellen notes that this change was necessary. “When we asked ministries in other countries to join a Dutch foundation, it caused confusion,” he says. ERIC enabled long-term funding commitments and reduced operational costs through VAT exemptions. The telescope’s antenna stations are spread across Europe. “Initially, LOFAR’s effective size was about 100 kilometers within the Netherlands,” van Cappellen explains, “but adding stations across Europe expanded this to roughly 2,000 kilometers.” This twentyfold increase in baseline drastically improves the telescope’s resolution, allowing astronomers to see far finer details. Joe Callingham, who leads ASTRON’s SKA Science Group, stresses that true progress comes from crossing borders. “Europe has done this particularly well, better than many regions,” he says. The collaboration pools expertise and resources, overcoming challenges no single country could tackle alone, demonstrating how European unity can fuel scientific breakthroughs.
Cosmic curiosity leads to earthly benefits
LOFAR2.0 is not just a scientific instrument but also a driver of technological innovation with broad societal benefits. Pushing radio astronomy to new limits requires novel engineering solutions that find uses beyond the field of astronomy. Van Cappellen says LOFAR was the first fully digital telescope at this scale, generating enormous amounts of data that demanded new ways to process and store information. These innovations have since been adopted for other fields like medical imaging, improving technologies such as MRI. Callingham adds that fundamental research in radio astronomy has historically led to everyday technologies like Wi-Fi, proving that curiosity-driven science can yield surprising, practical results. He also highlights the cultural and philosophical value of astronomy, which connects humanity to the universe. “Science makes us human,” he says, comparing astronomy to cherished sentimental objects we keep despite lacking direct practical use. Sustainability is another key focus. ASTRON leads efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of research. Callingham mentions the LENSS project, which aims to produce super high-resolution images without increasing CO₂ emissions. This shows scientific progress can and must be sustainable, reflecting a modern responsibility alongside discovery.
The collaborative core of LOFAR2.0
Wim van Cappellen, with ASTRON since 2001, has led major development programmes pushing the boundaries of radio astronomy. His electrical engineering expertise and strategic vision have been vital for LOFAR and LOFAR2.0. Joe Callingham complements this with his leadership of the SKA Science Group and experience managing large international collaborations. Together, they emphasise how the Netherlands, though small, became a major player through strategic collaboration. “We brought engineers, astronomers, and operators together in close collaboration,” van Cappellen says. “That’s where the magic happens -it’s how 1 + 1 = 3.” This synergy now extends across Europe via the LOFAR ERIC consortium, combining national strengths to achieve more than any one country could alone. Both stress that today’s large-scale science requires trust, open communication, and shared goals across borders. This fosters innovation by merging diverse perspectives to solve complex problems. The European framework also ensures knowledge and benefits are shared fairly, strengthening the continent’s scientific ecosystem. LOFAR2.0 shows how leadership and collaboration can accelerate progress and build lasting international partnerships.
Uniting under the stars
LOFAR2.0 is more than just a scientific instrument: it is a symbol of what European collaboration can achieve in fundamental research, technology, and societal progress. Joe Callingham reflects, “LOFAR shows countries can still unite around shared, non-commercial goals. That’s powerful and rare.” By expanding our view of the cosmos, LOFAR2.0 deepens knowledge while also inspiring society. The project demonstrates that multinational cooperation, blending expertise and cultures, can push technical boundaries and generate societal benefits, like new technologies and education. Ultimately, LOFAR2.0 offers a hopeful message: working together with a shared sense of purpose remains essential for tackling the biggest challenges of our time and for better understanding both the universe and ourselves.
Dr. Joseph Callingham is an astrophysicist based at ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy - where he is currently Head of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) science group. He is also an associate professor at the University of Amsterdam. His research is focused on the study of stars and exoplanets at radio frequencies. He completed his PhD at the University of Sydney on the physics of active galaxies in 2017, before moving to ASTRON as a Bell Burnell Fellow and then to Leiden University as a NWO VENI Fellow in 2020. He is an ERC Starting Grant recipient (2024).
Wim van Cappellen has a passion for advancing cutting-edge radio astronomical instrumentation. He earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Delft University of Technology. After developing innovative radar technology, Wim joined ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, in 2001 to contribute to the development of the world’s largest low-frequency telescope: LOFAR. He led the realisation of a revolutionary broadband phased array receiver system for the Westerbork Radio Telescopes for which he received the Vederprijs. Today, Wim serves as the program manager of the LOFAR2.0 upgrade and the head of Strategic Programs.
Context
In the “Uitgelicht” series (Highlighted), Neth-ER highlights EU-funded research projects. LOFAR ERIC, hosted by NWO-I/ASTRON in the Netherlands, unites Europe’s LOFAR radio telescope network under one legal entity. It advances low-frequency radio astronomy with improved infrastructure and data capabilities. Founding members include six European countries, with more partners involved. Former Dutch Minister and physicist Robbert Dijkgraaf sees LOFAR ERIC as a key driver for European scientific collaboration and discovery. The consortium strengthens Europe’s position in cutting-edge astronomy.
