Gaia, ESA’s major space satellite was successfully launched in Dec 2013. It has completed its extended mission to map some two billion stars in our Milky Way. It’s first three data releases, of primarily astrometric and photometric data, in 2016, 2018, 2020 have already proved to be a `game changer’ for astronomy. The upcoming data releases though present major challenges in terms of complexity and size, bringing in for the first time significant new advanced data products such as the astrophysical properties of the stars, hence preparation to ensure full science exploitation is essential. MWGaiaDN will link the key partners responsible for the development and creation of Gaia, forming an effective and unique training network powerfully combining the best research training with a range of academic and industrial placements, specialist research and knowledge transfer workshops. It will develop and train a cohort of young researchers through a set of key science projects pushing the Gaia data to its limits. It will shape the delivery of training in astrometry and the study of the MW across Europe: delivering key insights into the structure and formation of our Galaxy; delivering the roadmap for the next generation of astrometric space telescopes; equipping the DN’s recruited Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) with skills to drive the next innovative steps (e.g. the recently identified priority ESA future large MW/near infrared astrometry mission for the mid-30’s) in this key area of space discovery, as well as enabling them to contribute to the future, growth and challenges of the big data industry and commerce.
