A few days ago, the FOCAL project held its first training school at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI). It was the occasion for every partner and doctoral candidate to meet!
An inter-disciplinary programme: from fundamental to applied research
The Doctoral candidates and the attendees on HHI’s premises or online, had the chance to assist to the presentation of the following eminent researchers and industrialists:
27 October 2025
Nino WALENDA – HHI (Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute): QKD concepts
Michel SOTOM – Thales Alenia Space: Free-Space Optical communications for seemless satellite connectivity
28 October 2025
Davide ORSUCCI – DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft – und Raumfahrt): Modelling of Satellite-Based Quantum Key Distribution
Alejandro RAMIREZ – Aalborg University: Design of SatCom system constellations & Introduction on terrestrial-satellite connectivity in dense urban areas
Per KOCH – Cobham Satcom: SatCom and integration with access networks
Vasilis PAPANIKOLAOU – Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg: Optical IRS for FSO Systems
Nicolas PERLOT– HHI: HHI’s recent activities on FSO for Non-Terrestrial Networks
29 October 2025
Julian STRUCK – TESAT: Activities and satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution
Amita SHRESTHA—DLR: FSO for space links
Jeroen WIGARD – Nokia Denmark: Non-Terrestrial Network in 3GPP
Doctoral candidates had the opportunity to visit cutting-edge scientific laboratories as part of their academic program. During the visit, they explored various research facilities and observed experiments in progress. Scientists and researchers guided them through the equipment and explained ongoing projects. The experience sparked curiosity and inspired many to pursue careers in science. It was a valuable hands-on learning moment beyond the theoretical training.
A moment of scientific cooperation: The attendees of the 1st FOCAL Training school
Professors and researchers
We also had the chance to have the presence of:
- Fary GHASSEMLOOY: Emeritus Professor of Optical Communications, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, UK. Fellow of IET, Fellow of OPTICA (OSA), Life_SMIEEE, CEng. IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer 2024-25
- Hoa LE MINH: Professor, Deputy Head of Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering of Northumbria University
- Niek DOELMAN: Principal Scientist at TNO and High-Tech Industry Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology
Doctoral candidates
This first Training School was a moment for the doctoral candidates to meet and to train! We had the chance to meet:
- Abid AFRIDI at Aalto University
- Dinesh UMASANKAR at Nokia France
- Agustin GONZALEZ URIARTE at Ecole Centrale Marseille
- Arturo MORALES BUGUEÑO at TNO
- Ferdaous TARHNOUNI at Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
- Mahmudul HASAN ABID at Ecole Centrale Marseille
- Mateusz MAZURKIEWICZ at DLR
- Amir Masoud JAFARPISHEH at the University of Edinburgh
We also had the opportunity to welcome researchers and students from European universities:
- Dafni Nikolaidou: Gratuated of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
- Sofia Strataki: Gratuated of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
This moment was full of knowledge sharing, scientific collaboration and passionate discussions!
A new step towards excellence and an enhanced European research and innovation!
Thank you again to the organisers:
- Nicolas Perlot: Head of the Free-Space Optical Systems Group at HHI.
- Ali Khalighi: Associate professor from Ecole Centrale Marseille and the Fresnel Institute; and FOCAL Project coordinator.
- Laura Cottatellucci: Associate professor for the Department of Electrical-Electronic-Communication Engineering at Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.
- Minea Allaix: FOCAL Project manager.
We look forward to further meetings and training sessions! Stay tuned – and take a look at our Linked In. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/focal-project-b42bba360/)
What is next?
For our next Training school, DCs will benefit from in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience. Stay tuned, we will communicate more information soon.
We will also publish new articles concerning our achievements and our contribution to research and innovation in Europe!