Global satellite operator and the University of Luxembourg have announced that they have entered into a multi-year partnership agreement to jointly develop Luxembourg as a European centre of excellence and innovation for advanced information communications technology (ICT) in satellite systems, and to create a chair in satellite, telecom and media law.

The amount of SES' contribution over the 6 years will exceed 2 MEUR of which 1,500,000 EUR will be in cash. The contribution will be directed to the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) as well as towards the creation of an SES Chair in space, telecom and media law in the University's Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance.

Under the auspices of the SnT, University of Luxembourg and SES will collaborate on research in satellite applications and services, satellite hybrid networks, transmission and reception technologies as well as on the legal and regulatory challenges in the space, telecommunications and media sectors.

The professor holding the SES chair of space, telecom and media law will also contribute to the research conducted within the framework of the research programmes signed with the SnT.

"As the global communications landscape continues to rapidly evolve in multiple ways, satellite technology can continue to play a vital role in bringing people closer together and providing valuable services to help mankind," said Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES.

"This collaboration with the University of Luxembourg and the SnT will serve as a catalyst to ignite an ongoing stream of innovations that, we believe, will create a new foundation in satellite-related research and help establish Luxembourg as its center."

"This is arguably the broadest and most ambitious agreement the University has signed with a company which has its headquarters in Luxembourg," said Rolf Tarrach, President of the University of Luxembourg.

"We are very excited about it and we hope that the collaboration with SES will lead to improvements and innovations in satellite and communication technologies which will make a difference worldwide. We are very grateful for the very significant contribution of our partner. "