A Memorandum of Understanding covering research, development and education has been reached between leading research institutions Flinders University in Australia and French Graduate School of Engineering ENSTA Bretagne, with global shipbuilder Naval Group.
Research in the fast emerging field of autonomous maritime vehicles will be significantly boosted under a new international collaboration between Australian and French academic institutions and industry.
The agreement was signed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Naval Group, Mr Hervé Guillou, Director of ENSTA Bretagne, Mr Pascal Pinot and President and Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University Professor Colin Stirling at a ceremony attended by the Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall MP and President, Regional Council of Brittany, Mr Loïg Chesnais-Girard.
Autonomous maritime vehicle research is a key strength at both Flinders and ENSTA Bretagne, and is an increasingly important area for defence and civilian applications. Researchers at Flinders have established a close research relationship with ENSTA Bretagne and the institutions are pleased to be working collaboratively with Naval Group in a move that will further enhance the alliance between France and Australia.
Students from Flinders and ENSTA Bretagne will also benefit from the agreement thanks to a focus on internships and work experience programs for students across both countries. The collaboration opens the pathway for Flinders students to undertake internships in France as well as French students to spend time in Flinders research laboratories.
Press release (FR)
