Satellite communications network of excellence - Phase II

The primary goal of SatNEx, the Satellite Communications Network of Excellence, is to achieve long-lasting integration of the European research in satellite communications and to develop a common base of knowledge. 'Networks of Excellence' have been introduced as a new instrument within the 6th IST framework program, and SatNEx is one of the first consortia to implement the new ideas and to overcome the fragmentation of European research. Through co-operation of outstanding universities and research organizations with excellent expertise in satellite communications, SatNEx will build a European virtual centre of excellence in satellite communications and contribute to the realization of the European Research Area (ERA). SatNEx will include an advisory board incorporating representatives of European space industry, satellite service providers, and standardization and regulation organizations. SatNEx will collaborate with these players and put together a critical mass of resources and expertise needed for making Europe a world force in the field of satellite communications. SatNEx is a structure facilitating the identification of needs, generation of new ideas and concepts, coordination of activities, and development of new knowledge in the strategic field of satellite communications. Another objective of the network is to disseminate the expertise generated to researchers and students. It is intended to make this expertise available to staff and students of all institutions and using specialists’ facilities of these institutions as well as giving research students the possibility to spend periods of time in any organisation of the network. Especially young researchers at the beginning of their career (i.e. doctoral students) will benefit a lot from direct contact with other researchers and the resulting knowledge exchange. Besides training and lecture material will be made available to all researchers and students in the network. Via training courses and skills development, SatNEx will achieve knowledge transfer to both the research community and the satellite industry and business. The primary goal of SatNEx is to achieve long-lasting integration of the European research in satellite communication and to develop a common base of knowledge, thus contributing to the realization of the European Research Area.