When it comes to startling discoveries in our universe, she has a great reputation. Moreover, she is an authority in the field of radio astronomy and from Dwingeloo she enables scientists all over the world to investigate the universe even better.
ASTRON has a special place in the High Tech Systems & Materials (HTSM) industry. With knowledge, technology and its own development, the institute makes astronomical research possible. It regularly makes new discoveries that help us understand the universe a little better. Within the Top Sector HTSM, ASTRON contributes knowledge in areas such as Big Data handling, algorithmics and cyber-physical programming. The expansion of the cluster with ASTRON is logical, according to Kor Visscher. ,,ASTRON is strongly internationally oriented and has close contacts with industry, both at home and abroad. That is a wonderful addition to our cluster.’’
Pioneering
Working at ASTRON means contributing to the development of groundbreaking technologies, according to Gert Kruithof, head of research & development. ,,Scientists make use of our world-class radio astronomy facilities. This is how they conduct fundamental astronomical research. Our engineers and astronomers have an excellent international reputation for technological development and fundamental research in astronomy.’’ For example, ASTRON has the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope, one of the most sensitive telescopes in the world, and LOFAR (Low Frequency Array). Kruithof: ,,This telescope will shed new light on the universe by taking measurements at the lower frequencies (30-220 MHz). LOFAR is also an important scientific and technological precursor to the next generation of radio telescopes - the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) - a worldwide project in which we are playing a leading role.’’ Together with companies mainly in the northern Netherlands, ASTRON is also building an instrument for a Chinese satellite. ’’We do this in close cooperation and interaction with industry. We emphatically do not purchase a product, but bring knowledge and technology together to make the best instrument together.’’ In addition to companies from the Northern Netherlands, ASTRON collaborates with companies from Ireland, Poland, Latvia and China. ''As a member of Innovatiecluster Drachten, we hope that our innovation drive will receive a further boost.''
With the entry of ASTRON, Innovatiecluster Drachten connects 17 self-creating and highly innovative high-tech companies in the Northern Netherlands.