Current research activities in the European network ACE, Antenna Centre of Excellence

Although the European Union has in many ways unified Europe, most research projects are national. Language and traditions still create strong national boundaries. Recognizing the specific European problems, the European Commission has created a new "tool" called "network of excellence". The network of excellence on antennas is called the "Antenna Centre of Excellence" (ACE). The main purpose of ACE is to increase the efficiency and relevance of antenna research in Europe. It is also an intention to increase the innovation level by a more efficient flow of ideas. Fields of activity include the following: MM-waves and sub-mm-waves/integrated antennas; small terminals and smart antenna systems; wideband and multiband antennas; planar and conformal arrays; antenna software tools; antenna measurement techniques and facility sharing; virtual centre of excellence (VCE); training and education; dissemination and knowledge transfer management. The ACE project is flexible and will have a lasting impact on European antenna research.