Thales and the AGH University of Science and Technology signed a cooperation agreement for joint innovations

On November 27, 2014 in Krakow was signed an agreement for cooperation between Thales and one of the leading Polish technical universities – the AGH University of Science and Technology (AGH UST). Through this agreement, Thales and AGH will conduct joint scientific research projects for the development and implementation of new technologies. The purpose of the cooperation is to support the development of future generations of engineers. The cooperation was made possible thanks to the support of the Embassy of France in Poland, the Consul of France in Krakow and the French Institute.

The agreement is to support the development of talents in Poland in the frame of major programmes for the country. The cooperation is to focus on capabilities for space, defence, security and smart transportation domains. The main beneficiaries of the agreement are students and graduates of the University. The cooperation will allow practices, internships and assistance in the funding of research projects for students, graduates and university staff.

At the signing ceremony, Paweł Piotrowski, Managing Director of Thales in Poland, explained that the development of innovations is key for Thales. “Thales is investing annually 20% of its income in research and development. Thanks to this policy, we are in Poland enjoying direct applications of Thales innovations for example in the fields of train control solutions”. The cooperation between Thales and AGH UST is to boost further the capabilities for Polish innovations”.

Marko Erman, SVP and Chief Technical Officer of Thales, emphasized “Over the past years Thales has created an environment that promotes innovation thanks to numerous investments and cooperation with our partners. We are developing common projects with over 50 prestigious universities and research laboratories in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and throughout Asia. Our Polish partners are joining group of international experts thanks to AGH their scientists and promising talents”.

“We often emphasize how strong links with industry and business has AGH - we have almost three hundred agreements saying about close cooperation with the largest companies in many industries. But cooperation with Thales, due to it’s huge potential, has a special meaning for us (also because of the great relationships between AGH and French research institutes or universities). I am sure that both parties will gain a lot on this collaboration” – said AGH UST Vice-Rector for Cooperation, prof. Tomasz Szmuc.

The signing ceremony was honored with the presence of representatives of the Embassy of France in Poland, the Consulate General of France in Krakow and the French Institute in Poland. According to the Ambassador of France in Poland, H.E. Pierre Buhler, “scientific cooperation and the development of new technologies is one of the pillars of the construction of the Franco-Polish relations”.