New European Training Network to target application of photonic technologies in space

The project, known as MWP4Space (MicroWave Photonic Technologies for Communications and Sensing Applications in Space), is a highly innovative training network whose proposed outcomes will have applications in fields such as space research, defence, earth observations (EO) and satellite communications. The MWP4SPACE IDN (Industrial Doctorate Network) 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 ¨C competences for which there is a fast-growing demand in the global satellite industry.  MWP4SPACE will offer a unique education program for 15 young researchers structured in industrially facing research projects and network-wide training activities by companies and universities which are world-class players in both photonics and space technologies. The successful doctoral candidates will be key actors in the transfer of knowledge developed for terrestrial applications for space applications.

DCU lead Prof. Liam Barry, from the School of Electronic Engineering, commented ¡°Involvement in this highly prestigious collaborative programme that involves key academic and industry partners working at the intersection of device integration and satellite communications, will enable DCU researchers to acquire vital expertise in the areas of integrated photonic and radio frequency technologies for future satellite and space applications¡±

Martin O¡¯Connell, Head of EU Programmes in IPIC, welcomed the award stating ¡°While the award aligns IPIC strategic goals, involvement in networks such as MWP4Space strengthens our research excellence while also exposing our researchers to relevant industrial and business environments and will significantly contribute to their employability by placing them as future leaders in the next generation of SATCOM and Earth Observation technologies¡±

The project, comprising 11 partners (6 academic, 5 industrial) has received funding of 4M€ and is coordinated by Universidad De Vigo. MWP4Space also features industrial Irish partner MBryonics Limited as well as Pilot Photonics for training and secondments.  

Partners: Universidad de Vigo (ES), Bright Photonics (NL), MBryonics (IE), National, Inter-University Consortium for Telecommunications (IT), Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento Sant¡¯Anna (IT),   Dublin City University (IE), University College Cork (IE), Alter (ES), Uni Ghent (BE), III-V Lab (FR), Camgraphic (IT).  The project runs from October 2022 and will continue until 2026.