There is probably no European city as 'well connected' as Paris, both culturally with regards to its sophistication, fashion, gourmet lifestyle, history, architecture, etc., and geographically in terms of its location and its pan-European and global transportation links. It is therefore no surprise that the theme of the 13th European Microwave Week that takes place at the city's CNIT Centre from 26 September to 1 October is Connecting the World. The theme not only relates to the connection that visitors from across Europe, Asia and North America have with Europe's premier RF and microwave event, but also to the literal connections that the microwave industry facilitates in the telecommunications, satellite, aerospace, military and industrial sectors. Not forgetting the development and nurturing of the human and personal connections that are vital for the industry to evolve, flourish and progress.
When organising the four conferences—the 40th European Microwave Conference (EuMC), the 5th European Microwave Integrated Circuits Conference (EuMIC), the 3rd European Wireless Technology Conference (EuWiT) and the 7th European Radar Conference (EuRAD)—particular emphasis was placed on the coordination of areas of common interest between the different conferences, workshops and short courses. The result of the call for papers was an exceptional number of submitted papers (close to 1,300) from more than 60 countries.
Illustrating the emphasis on Connecting the World initiative are two special sessions. The EU-North America Experts Microwave Session has gathered together a group of experts that have been recognised as 'Distinguished Microwave Lecturers' (sponsored by MTT-S) and 'European Microwave Lecturers' (jointly sponsored by MTT-S and EuMA) who will address the latest developments in active and passive microwave components. The Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference Session is the result of a speaker exchange between the European Microwave Conference and the Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference (APMC). It will feature speakers from Singapore, Japan and Australia.
The international flavour is continued for the three-day European Microwave Exhibition, which not only attracts leading companies from Western Europe but also from farther afield, including Eastern Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, with a significant number of Chinese companies and a marked increase in the Korean representation. Regardless of their origin, the exhibitors recognise the importance of participating in the largest trade show dedicated to RF and microwaves in Europe.
The show floor offers a stage where companies can showcase their wares to a focused audience and put their latest and most innovative products under the spotlight. It has become an exhibition that manufacturers target to launch new and significant products and a conduit for them to 'connect' with their existing and potential customers in order to discuss specific requirements, sound out possible future developments and get informed feedback. Conference Poster Sessions will add interest to the exhibition halls on all three days, and a wide range of workshops, seminars and short courses offer numerous opportunities for attendees to gain hands on experience.
A significant addition to the programme is the Defence/Security Executive Forum, which will provide a platform for key representatives from European defence agencies, market analysts and industry leaders to discuss current initiatives, market trends and strategies impacting the European Defence/Security sector.
In recent years EuMW has increasingly recognised the importance for the RF and microwave industry to connect with its future—young engineers and designers. An event aimed at doing just that is the third EuMW Student Challenge, sponsored by Thales Nederland, which gathers students with different skills from all over the world and promotes active participation and teamwork. New to EuMW 2010 is a special session on Young and Engineering: Education, Industrial/Academic Opportunities, which looks at the educational, industrial and academic opportunities offered to young engineers and scientists, as well as the career opportunities open to them.
Whether young or more mature, it is important to socialise and the EuMW Welcome Reception epitomises the organiser's ongoing efforts to encourage the interaction between industry and academia, resulting in a social event that is both convivial and conducive to networking. Indeed, mixing business and pleasure can be enjoyed throughout the week through the strong calendar of social events and the Partner Programme.
A great deal of effort has been made by a large number of people to ensure a first class event. On behalf of the Local Organising Committee we would like to express our gratitude to the four international Technical Programme Committees and the hundreds of reviewers who worked hard to shape the record number of individual contributions to the final programme. Thanks also goes to those who organised the special sessions, the focused sessions, the workshops and short courses, and the special events, which we believe are essential to fulfilling the needs of delegates.
We would like to acknowledge the EuMA Board for its continued advice and guidance and thank the Horizon House personnel assigned to EuMW for their hard work, which has again proved invaluable in guiding the chair and his team through all the steps of organising a challenging event. Special thanks go to the National Center of Research (CNRS) Department INSIS, the French Research Ministry and the Nord-Pas de Calais Region-FEDER for their constant support. Last but not least, we acknowledge the financial and in-kind sponsorship of many industrial enterprises and other organisations.
Our ambition has been to create the best conditions possible to welcome the microwave community to Paris, to connect with our audience and for them to connect with each other. We are convinced that you will find European Microwave Week 2010 unforgettable. See you there.
Welcome from Gilles Dambrine, General Chairman, EuMW 2010, and Ivar Bazzy, President, Horizon House Publications.
