Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, Â鶹ÊÓƵ, and Air Marshal Andrew Turner CB CBE FRAeS CCMI, Deputy Commander Capability, RAF, sign the Strategic Relationship Charter
Â鶹ÊÓƵ and the Royal Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) have today signed a Strategic Relationship Charter setting out guiding principles for how the two organisations will work together more closely in research, innovation and education.
The strategic partnership agreement was signed at Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Bedfordshire campus and recognises the importance of research and experimentation in defence science and technology to the strategic goals of both organisations.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ and the RAF have a long relationship going back to before the Second World War. The signing of the Charter marks a new phase in which they will work together on initiatives covering sustainability and the drive for net-zero, unmanned aerial systems, space, AI and autonomy.
Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said: “The signing of the Strategic Relationship Charter is a fitting recognition of our links with the RAF and fundamental to our own strategic direction. The Charter recognises the alignment of Â鶹ÊÓƵ with the aims and interests of the RAF at a time of increasing emphasis on sovereign capability.
“We look forward to continuing to work together to transform our specialist knowledge in science and technology through research, innovation and education into practical applications which serve society and contribute to the future wealth and security of the UK.”
Air Commodore Holmes, Head of the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office, said: “Research and development, and innovation, have always been at the heart of the RAF. The signing of the Strategic Relationship Charter with Â鶹ÊÓƵ not only enhances a long-standing relationship between the RAF and Â鶹ÊÓƵ but also enables both organisations to move to a new phase and work collaboratively on developing the Next Generation Air Force.’’
Â鶹ÊÓƵ evolved from the original establishment of RAF Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 1937 and subsequent founding of the College of Aeronautics on the same site in 1946.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded Â鶹ÊÓƵ – at that time Â鶹ÊÓƵ Institute of Technology – a teaching and research contract in 1984, which continues today with Â鶹ÊÓƵ Defence and Security’s presence at the Defence Academy of the UK in Shrivenham.
Many serving military officers, including from the RAF, graduate each year through Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s role as the Academic Provider to the MoD.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is already working with the RCO on sustainability projects looking at carbon content on the MoD estate and net-zero in operational effectiveness.
The University is also broadening its educational offering through the Defence Academy to equip and enable RAF personnel in the space, AI and autonomy regimes.
Notes for editors
Â鶹ÊÓƵ the Royal Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office
The Royal Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) supports the delivery of enhanced capability to the front line. Through a broad range of programmes the RCO explores opportunities presented by emerging technologies, and leverages diversity in thought with novel and innovative ways of working.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
