Cranfield celebrates partnership with Brazilian engineering institution, ITA

Cranfield University and the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), a higher education institution ranked as one of the top engineering schools in Brazil, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster closer collaboration in research and education.

ITA is located at the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA), in the city of São José dos Campos, and specialises in science and technology in the aerospace sector.

The two universities will work together to develop joint degrees and academic research, as well as PhD student exchange, staff exchanges and joint industry collaborations.

Pericles Pilidis, Professor of Gas Turbine Performance at Cranfield University said: “Initially collaborating in the propulsion sphere, this collaboration has potential to extend beyond this – especially given the deep changes taking place in aviation.

“With a global focus on affordable and environmentally friendly aviation, partnerships such as this bring great opportunities for international collaborations, delivering advanced research and development, and the stream of talent needed to drive us towards sustainable aviation.”

The Vice-Rector of ITA, Professor Jesuíno Takachi Tomita, said: “Our institutions work in similar activities. Our efforts, in the areas of research, development and innovation, seek solutions to face the technological challenges presented by the public and private sector. I see this partnership full of possibilities for both institutions.”

ITA and Cranfield have been connected for a number of years as members of the International Society for Air Breathing Engines (ISABE), which furthers international collaboration in the field of airbreathing propulsion. 

Cranfield recently launched a new Air and Space Propulsion Institute to champion pan-university research with close industry, academia and government collaboration.