This agreement enacts the joint governance of their collaboration, which is open to new projects. It positions IMT Mines Albi research centers as expertise pools for innovation in the aeronautics field.

Airbus and IMT Mines Albi boost their collaborative research efforts

Didier Tourrade, head of R&T Business Development & Partnership for Airbus in France, and Lionel Luquin, director of IMT Mines Albi, formalized this agreement which binds the partners for the coming 4 years.

 The framework agreement has a threefold aim:

• Set up joint governance of the partnership

• Strengthen collaborative research efforts between the two partners

• Establish the rules for facilitated management of jointly-led research results

accord-cadre-airbus.jpg, par jfages

Copyright ©Airbus

For Airbus, this agreement will enable further understanding of IMT Mines Albi’s research themes, beyond its ongoing collaboration in the field of materials with the Clement Ader Institute – UMR CNRS 5312 (ICA), and will also facilitate contacts with the school’s researchers. It opens access to international research networks developed by the school, such as the SIReN International Associated laboratory, a collaboration between the school and the Georgia Tech ISyE (Industrial and System Engineering) research institute in the USA.

The signing of this framework agreement will enable IMT Mines Albi to offer the expertise of its two other research and training centers:

• The RAPSODEE (Albi Engineering Research Center for Divided Solid Processes, Energy and the Environment) UMR CNRS 5302 center, specialized in the fields of energy and the environment.
• The Industrial Engineering Center which leads research with international partners in organization dynamics, through the development of decision-making tools for logistics, security and crisis management.

An upcoming collaborative project with the Industrial Engineering Center

For the first time, the Industrial Engineering Center will work alongside Airbus in the field of Physical Internet. The idea is to use and enhance the Physics of Decision (POD) concept put forward by IMT Mines Albi in Airbus’ aircraft production and assembly activities.

lionel_luquin_c_11.jpg, par jfages

“Producing research whose results can ultimately benefit society forms part of IMT Mines Albi’s DNA, and industrial partnerships are essential to this transfer. It is thus a great honor for the school to sign a framework agreement enabling us to develop joint research projects with Airbus, Europe’s flagship aeronautics firm.”

Lionel Luquin, Director of IMT Mines Albi.

 

A historic partnership between Airbus and IMT Mines Albi

 

In the last 20 years IMT Mines Albi has led numerous studies in partnership with Airbus:

• In the field of research, with the Clément Ader Institute (ICA) – UMR CNRS 5312, which specializes in innovative materials and processes. Several joint projects draw on the technological platform, MIMAUSA (“Implementation of Materials for Aeronautics and Active Surveillance”).  The company Aurock, founded by graduates of IMT Mines Albi and currently a first-order sub-contractor for Airbus, originated in a technology transfer between the ICA and IMT Mines Albi.
   
• In the training field, Airbus is actively involved in Innov’Action initiatives, notably via Airbus Humanity Lab subjects, such as the “Composite prosthesis blade for amputee runners”, which led to the creation of the start-up Hopper. Airbus also sponsors the Exception’Elles weekend to promote female entrepreneurship. Lastly, numerous engineering students carry out their work placement or apprenticeship with Airbus, and many are subsequently recruited by the firm. An IMT Mines Albi alumni network was set up within the company in 2014.
   
• In the field of innovation and entrepreneurship, the Innov’Action building at IMT Mines Albi is home to a dedicated Airbus creative space (Airbus Innovation Space). Employees of Airbus and its subsidiaries, students and staff can all avail of this open-innovation space. Airbus also lends its support to the school’s technological incubator, in a joint aim to promote regional economic growth and entrepreneurship.