Both parties intend to jointly strengthen their cooperation in education, research and innovation within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) area, which is one of Chalmers' Areas of Advance. This meshes ideally with the RUAG Space offering of computers, microwave electronics and antennas for use in space.
The agreement also covers new forms of cooperation which extend beyond research and technology development. Thus RUAG will in future be more closely involved in the education process and will supervise students preparing for their doctorate. Establishing contact with university graduates at an early stage will give RUAG a good position in the recruitment process. For Chalmers, the cooperation will bring about a valuable exchange of experience enabling future students to link up with a leading European supplier to the international space industry.
RUAG Space has demand for skills and applications in research areas that are strongly represented at Chalmers. Thus the strategic cooperation should be beneficial for the research groups. According to Chalmers President Karin Markides, this will enable the two partners to plan together for future projects. For students, these inputs into the industry will act as a driving force, and the fact that the company also operates globally is a point of great interest to many students.
The timing of the agreement could not be better. Interest in space technology has increased during the autumn due to the successful launch of the European Rosetta and Philae lander comet expedition: RUAG Space has made a significant contribution to the successful Rosetta project through the development of computers, mass memory, antennas and separation systems.
CTH and RUAG Space already cooperate in a number of areas through joint research projects and centers at CTH.
“Now that Chalmers and RUAG are expanding their cooperation, we believe that this will develop the skills of both parties and lead to greater innovation and competitiveness”, said Mats Warstedt, Senior Vice President RUAG Space Sweden.
