A new partnership will see Keele University work closely with Germany’s national aeronautics and space research centre on researching new materials and technologies for next generation aircrafts.  

In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today, Keele and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have committed to work together to participate in collaborative research. Projects will include mathematical modelling of aerogels, which are among the lightest solid materials known and could reduce aircraft noise and increase passenger comfort.  

Professor Mark Ormerod, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of Keele University, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with one of the world’s leading aeronautics and space research centres. The DLR is an excellent, high-profile partner for Keele and our School of Computer Science and Mathematics, and the outstanding experimental facilities they have provide a natural match for some of the theoretical framework developed by Keele applied mathematicians.  

“A number of joint activities between the two institutions are in progress or just about to start, and the partnership will offer very significant potential for further collaborative developments. It’s a very exciting move and expands Keele’s network of global research partnerships, which provide opportunities for our researchers and students.”  

The German Aerospace Center is the national aeronautics and space research centre of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, energy, transport and security is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. In addition to its research, as Germany’s space agency, DLR has been given responsibility by the federal government for the planning and implementation of the German space programme.  

DLR is also the umbrella organisation for one of the nation’s largest project management agencies. DLR has 30 locations in Germany and about 10,000 employees and as of 2022, had a total budget of €1.370 billion. 

Professor Guillermo Requena, Vice-Director at the Institute of Materials Research of DLR, said: “It is an honor to formalise our relationship with Keele University, a prestigious institution renowned for its fundamental research and academic excellence. 

“This collaboration will combine the diverse research profile in applied mathematics in the School of Computer Science and Mathematics at Keele with our cutting-edge research capabilities in materials science engineering and digitalisation, to drive forward our shared vision of pioneering advancements in rapid materials development for applications in the fields of aeronautics, space, transportation and energy. 

“By integrating Keele University's extensive fundamental research with our technology-oriented research, we aim to foster groundbreaking developments that will revolutionise the landscape of scientific research and application.”