The MWP4SPACE IDN will train the next generation of specialists in Integrated Microwave Photonic (IMWP) devices and systems in the framework of satellite and space applications. They will gain skills to integrate compact photonic and radio frequency (RF) circuits, and cutting-edge knowledge of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design, fabrication, packaging, validation and qualification both at the device and system level – competences for which there is a fast-growing demand in the global satellite industry, but that are rarely taught in an integrated training program. MWP4SPACE will offer a unique education program for 15 young researchers structured in research projects and network-wide training activities and delivered by 6 European Universities, 1 non-profit academic research institutions and 9 companies which are world-class references in both photonics and space technologies.
For European research and industry to remain competitive in the area of IMWP, they need scientific knowledge as well as suitable entrepreneurial scientists, that have expert multidisciplinary knowledge and strong understanding of integrated photonics (as it is KET in the EU), optoelectronics, industrial processes, automation and circuit design and layout, InP software simulation and modelling and a broad academic and industrial network.
In terms of training, the participants, as individual academic institutions as well as members of the MWP4SPACE network, will deliver the Doctoral Candidates or DCs’ with an excellent foundation for their future career through integrated training far beyond what would be possible through work at any single institution. Besides, the MWP4SPACE project will develop a framework for structuring doctoral training at the European level between excellent participants from academic and non-academic sectors as well as having a significant impact on structuring the doctoral research training capacity of the partners.
Concerning DCs careers, during the project MWP4SPACE will build upon the existing active collaborations and establish new ones by bringing the collaborating groups together, through secondments and networking events. After the project the MWP4SPACE network will aim to sustain itself after the project both for research collaboration and for long lasting, future training of interdisciplinary young researchers and PhD students.
