ESA INITIATIVE TO FOSTER RESEARCH
In order to increase interaction between ESA, European Universities, research institutes and industry, ESA has created the Networking/Partnering Initiative (NPI). ESA offers to support research carried out by institutes and universities in advanced technologies with space applications.
Main objectives:
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enhance research for space applications
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take advantage of potenctial "spin-ins" for space from technologies originally developed for application in areas such as consumer electronics and material sciences, as well as new developments in nano and microtechnology domain
The NPI will support technology development in selected universities and research institutes, giving preference to new ideas or concepts originating in non-space industrial or research sectors. Proposals accepted by the initiative will be offered support in:
Upon selection of a proposal, ESA will enter into a contractual arrangement with the university or research institute concerned as the researcher will remain a student or employee of the university or institute.
NEW
The Networking/Partnering programme is now entiring it's 3rd year of operation, with some of the projects already coming to an end by the end of this year.
HOW TO APPLY
ESA invites universities and research organisations in its Members States to submit innovative doctoral or post-doctoral proposals for research in any technical domain relevant to space.
ESA Technical Officers are available to provide assistance with elaborating proposals and ideas. To assure that funding is synchronised with the academic calendar, the applications are examined twice yearly by a selection board composed of ESA and external experts.
The next expert meeting will be in June 2009.
Universities and research organisations interested in taking part in the NPI can contact Mr. Joerg Wehner, the NPI Programme Manager, for further information and a proposal template: npi@esa.int
For more information see here
