01
July
2018
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11:53
Europe/London

RAAIR agreement opens a new frontier for Radio Astronomy technology

The Chinese engineering group CETC (China Electronics Technology Corporation) has entered into a collaboration agreement with The University of Manchester’s School of Physics and Astronomy, and School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

The agreement focuses on research and development of technologies relating to radio astronomy. It paves the way for the formation of a new joint research laboratory for Radio Astronomy Advanced Instrumentation Research (RAAIR).

CETC’s multi-million investment in RAAIR over the next three years will fund state-of-the-art scientific and technical research projects, researchers and international exchanges with the aim of fostering a long-term relationship with the University.

Prof. Tony Brown, of the Microwave and Communication Systems Group (School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering) was the original driving force behind the new collaboration. The Director of the new RAAIR laboratory is Prof. Michael Garrett, Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics (JBCA) and Sir Bernard Lovell chair of astrophysics. The initiative builds on over seven decades of continuous world-leading radio astronomy technology development at Jodrell Bank.

Prof. Michael Garrett says: “We are extremely excited about RAAIR and the collaboration with CETC Institute 38. We look forward to jointly developing technologies that will have a major impact on next generation radio telescope projects, including the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)”.

Professor Michael Garrett
We are extremely excited about RAAIR and the collaboration with CETC Institute 38. We look forward to jointly developing technologies that will have a major impact on next generation radio telescope projects, including the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
Professor Michael Garrett

Prof. Tony Brown says: “I am delighted we have formed this joint research institute. We first visited CETC 38 in 2013 and have been working together since then on technology for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The RAAIR moves our collaboration to a new level and will delivery world leading research in advanced technology for radio astronomy.”

At a signing ceremony, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Martin Schröeder welcomed CETC President Mr. Liehong Liu, CETC Institute 38 President Mr. Xinping Chen and a delegation of ten senior leaders to the University.

Professor Schröeder spoke strongly of the University’s commitment to closer relations with Chinese science and engineering, and the benefits that have already resulted from this. On behalf of The University of Manchester, Professor Sean Freeman (Head of School, School of Physics and Astronomy) co-signed the RAAIR collaboration agreement alongside Mr. Xingping Chen, marking the beginning of this international collaboration.

The collaboration is the result of months of close cooperation and negotiation between CETC, lead academics from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the University’s Business Engagement Support and Contract Team. 

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