She has a great reputation when it comes to startling discoveries in our universe. She is also an authority in the field of radio astronomy and enables scientists from Dwingeloo all over the world to investigate the universe even better.

ASTRON has a special place in the High Tech Systems & Materials (HTSM) industry. With knowledge, technology and own development, the institute makes astronomical research possible. She regularly makes new discoveries that allow us to understand the universe a little better. Within the HTSM Top Sector, ASTRON contributes knowledge in the field of Big Data handling, algorithms and cyber-physical programming. The expansion of the cluster with ASTRON is logical according to Kor Visscher. ,,ASTRON is strongly internationally oriented and has close contacts with the business community, both at home and abroad. That is a wonderful addition to our cluster.”

Pioneering

According to Gert Kruithof, head of research & development, working at ASTRON means contributing to the development of groundbreaking technologies. “Scientists use our world-class radio astronomy facilities. For example, they conduct fundamental astronomical research. Our engineers and astronomers have an excellent international reputation in the field of technological developments and fundamental research in astronomy.” For example, ASTRON has the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope, one of the most sensitive telescopes in the world, and LOFAR (Low Frequency Array). Kruithof: ,,This telescope will shed new light on the universe by taking measurements at the lower frequencies (30-220 MHz). LOFAR is also an important scientific and technological precursor of the next generation of radio telescopes – the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) – a worldwide project in which we play a leading role." a Chinese satellite. “We do this in close collaboration and interaction with the industry. We emphatically do not purchase a product, but bring together knowledge and technology to make the best instrument together.” In addition to companies from the Northern Netherlands, ASTRON works together with companies from Ireland, Poland, Latvia and China. "As a member of Innovatiecluster Drachten, we hope that our drive to innovate will receive a further impulse."

With the entry of ASTRON, Innovatiecluster Drachten connects 17 self-creating and highly innovative high-tech companies in the Northern Netherlands.