Portugal's role in Aerospace Engineering discussed at FCT NOVA

Last March 30th, the UNINOVA auditorium was small for the presentation session of the new Master in Aerospace Engineering of  NOVA School of Science and Technology | FCT NOVA.

The event gathered experts and representatives of leading companies in the sector to discusse Portugal's role in Aerospace Engineering. The round table sat professionals from Tap, Tekever, GMV, Omnidea and the AED Cluster (a cluster of aerospace sector companies), who were unanimous in agreeing that the country needs more specialists in these areas to become competitive. During the debate it became clear, in addition to the demand for specialised professionals in this sector, the difficulty to retain talent in national territory due to the enticement to the European labour market. The speakers also concluded that there is a necessity for a convergence of the European strategy to prevent the waste of financial resources.

"There is now a programme for engineering graduates seeking a career in the aerospace industry or in government bodies" stated João Martins, coordinator of the Master's degree at FCT NOVA.

The session also clarified the program of the new Master, divided in two scientific areas of specialization: Avionics Systems and Aerospace Mechanics. The interdisciplinary programme focuses on space vehicles and aircraft, of small and medium sized, with emphasis on control, guidance and navigation; electronics and telecommunications; production and maintenance of structures, aerodynamics and propulsion.
At the end of this Masters, it is intended that students demonstrate critical thinking about the role of Aerospace Engineering in a more sustainable and intelligent future, and that they will be capable to contribute to broadening the possibilities for space exploration.

Embraer, Edisoft, DEIMOS, Spin.Works, BeyondVision, the Air Force Academy and the Alcochete Shooting Range were equally represented in the audience.