Shadow Minister Alan Mak was at Cranfield University this week with local Conservative MP Blake Stephenson to see first-hand some of the innovative work going on.
The MPs were given a tour of the Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) hangar and the Digital Aviation Research Technology Centre (DARTeC) by Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Karen Holford and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Helen Atkinson.
At the AIRC new aerospace technologies are rapidly developed and tested for current and future aircraft concept for the aviation of tomorrow, and Mr Mak and Mr Stephenson were able to try their hand at one of the advanced flight simulators, as well as meeting one of Cranfield’s resident robots.
And work at DARTeC is aimed at spearheading research into the challenges the aviation industry faces in the future, including the collaborative work they have been doing with both Rolls-Royce and Airbus.
During the visit Mr Stephenson, Mr Mak and Cranfield University also discussed the importance of retaining Level 7 apprenticeships and some of the challenges currently facing post-graduate universities like Cranfield.
Blake Stephenson, the MP for Mid Bedfordshire, said: “We’re extremely lucky to have such an innovative, forward-thinking university like Cranfield here in Mid Bedfordshire.
“I’m pleased the Shadow Minister was able to join me today to see some of the incredible work they’re doing to lead the way in science and technology innovation to ensure the aviation industry in the UK continues to take flight.
“I’m grateful to Cranfield University for taking the time to show us around and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them to take advantage of opportunities in the months and years to come.”
