Collaboration Set to Tackle Technology Challenges

Global technology company Thales Group has selected Bristol as first strategic partner university in the UK, in a move signifying a commitment to work together on the key challenges that confront modern engineering teaching and technology research. The agreement strengthens an existing relationship, where Thales has worked with Bristol for 20 years on several joint UK and European Union based research projects, while supporting over 15 doctoral students.

Thales are experts in the aerospace, transport, defence and security markets. It employs 64,000 employees in 56 countries, with 6,500 people based in the UK across 12 sites, including Bristol.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Bristol said: "We're very excited to sign this strategic agreement with Thales and look forward to seeing the exciting new technology which will be developed in partnership with our students and researchers in the future.

"Such a partnership offers our staff and students a unique insight into real-life research challenges across a variety of sectors and an opportunity to develop solutions to some key technological and societal challenges."

Marko Erman, Thales Chief Technical Officer, said: "Thales has a real capacity to innovate through collaboration across the entire high-tech ecosystem, including with start-ups and universities. We are proud to broaden our partnerships by working with the University of Bristol, which has excellent research facilities and high quality students looking at complex technical challenges."