European Space Agency partners with CDT-FORT to drive the future of secure and resilient communication systems

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Open SecuRe NeTworks (CDT-FORT) has announced a new strategic partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), and through ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications, a collaboration that reinforces the UK’s digital sovereignty in telecommunications and strengthen its role as a leading player in the global communications ecosystem.

Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), CDT-FORT is a ground-breaking initiative led by the University of Surrey’s 5G/6G Innovation Centre and Queen’s University Belfast. The programme addresses the urgent national need for secure and resilient communication networks in an increasingly connected and complex world. ESA’s partnership brings an international dimension to the centre’s research and training of much needed talents.

Regius Professor Rahim Tafazolli CBE, FREng Principal Investigator of CDT-FORT and Founder of the University of Surrey’s 5G/6G Innovation Centre, said: “Welcoming the European Space Agency to CDT-FORT is a major milestone. ESA brings unique expertise into terrestrial/non-terrestrial (TN/NTN) networks, AI and cybersecurity – all critical to shaping the future of trustworthy communication infrastructure.”

ESA will play an active role in supporting CDT-FORT researchers, offering access to cutting-edge facilites and expertise, and collaborating on research challenges.

Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, said: “With our expertise and facilities, ESA is the ideal place to support the development of the next generation of experts; helping them to hone their skills and knowledge for the future of satellite communications,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “Partnerships, like this one with CDT-FORT, are crucial for Europe’s technological sovereignty and ensure our Member States’ pivotal role in our joint aim to connect everyone, everywhere, at all times.”

Antonio Franchi, ESA Head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, said: “This collaboration reflects our strong commitment to advancing TN/NTN integration, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity – key pillars of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme. Together with CDT-FORT, one of our aims is to accelerate research that bridges terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.”

This partnership underscores the growing convergence of terrestrial and space-based communication systems and aligns with both ESA’s and CDT-FORT’s missions to drive innovation that safeguards connectivity, privacy, and global resilience.