On 6 June 2017 Delft University of Technology and the Harbin Institute of Technology in China signed a Memorandum of Understanding to step up collaboration in the area of Space technology. The two universities were invited to establish an International Institute of Space (HDIIS), located in Shenzhen.
Space is one of the strategically important high-tech industries in China. To support this industry there is a strong need for world leading academic research and educational facilities. To fulfil this need, TU Delft has been invited by Chinese side to, together with HIT, jointly establish a research focused institute in space domain. HIT is the top space university in China, with strong involvement in Chinese space program, covering from small satellites to manned space flight and deep space missions. TU Delft is a world leading university in the field of engineering and technologies, with an internationally renowned space research and education program. The establishment of HDIIS intends to strengthen the collaborations on space research between not only the two leading space universities, but also the two countries.
HDIIS is planned to be a highly international institute, accessible for Chinese and non-Chinese students and researchers. For TU Delft, the main interest is PhD and postdoc research. By expanding its research in China with Chinese partners, the university is expecting to gain access to additional, new, high tech facilities and capabilities. The Institute could also be beneficial for the Dutch space sector. Through collaboration with TU Delft they could gain access to Chinese partners and facilities.
A final decision is expected before the end of this year.
For more information, please contact Ingrid Houthuysen (+31648514087)