Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dassault Aviation to establish academic cooperation to develop UAE aeronautical education and related research, involving industrial experience as well as advanced technologies.

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding between Dassault Aviation and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is to jointly foster academic collaboration in the field of aeronautical education and related research, as well as to promote and implement a variety of collaborative activities including student internships, collaborative research, academic programmes, capacity building and development.

The MOU signature took place at IDEX Exhibition 2023, in the presence of Dr Majed Al Khemeiri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (on behalf of Prof Silvia Serrano, Vice-Chancellor Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi) and Philippe Perrin, Executive Vice-President International Dassault Aviation (on behalf of Eric Trappier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dassault Aviation).

This agreement will provide students with unique opportunities to participate in internships, research and development projects, capacity-building programmes, scientific lectures, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, recruitment fairs, career and research days, competitions, and other related events. Additionally, this Memorandum of Understanding will serve as an effective platform for both parties to come together and share knowledge, resources and expertise in order to further advance the fields of aeronautical education and research.

Professor Silvia Serrano, Vice-Chancellor Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, commented: “We are delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Dassault Aviation, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to foster partnerships with organisations from different sectors and to exchange knowledge and create opportunities for students to develop their skills and expertise. This MOU aims to support innovation and provide students with the essential knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their career paths. Moreover, the initiative will ensure that the standards of international higher education set by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi are met while ensuring that educational programmes remain responsive to the actual needs of the job market”.

Philippe Perrin, Executive Vice-President International, Dassault Aviation, commented saying “Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a reference in terms of education and research programmes as is Dassault Aviation, a reliable partner of the UAE for 50 years, in the global aerospace industry. The company is committed for more than 20 years, in contributing to human capital development of the UAE’s through improvement of local capabilities and enhancement of knowledge and technologies and indusrial know-how. This MOU is the illustration of our determination to develop joint high-tech R&D projects and scientific lectures in key technological areas and high value-added domains, to stand on the long term by the UAE, through its most brilliant institutions, for the emergence of talents and fulfillment of young people.”