The Walloon Memorandum of Understanding: an entire region mobilises
By signing the Walloon Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Wallonia has sent a strong signal as a partner in the Einstein Telescope project: the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion is not only the ideal location for the telescope, but also offers a genuine ecosystem ready to welcome this large-scale scientific infrastructure. Behind this ambition is now a solid operational task force responsible for mobilising Wallonia’s long-term commitment.
With this MoU, Minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Pierre Mottet (AKT for Wallonia) and Jean-Christophe Peterkenne (GRE Liège) have called on innovative Walloon companies and industries, institutions and the academic world to mobilise and develop Wallonia’s commitment to the Einstein Telescope.
Commitment
The highlight of the evening was the call for Walloon stakeholders to mobilise, initiated by Minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet, alongside Pierre Mottet (AKT for Wallonia) and Jean-Christophe Peterkenne (GRE Liège), who invited industrialists, institutions and academics to formalise their joint commitment to the project by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. On stage and through videos, it became clear how great and enthusiastic the commitment in Wallonia is.
The meeting was an initiative of the Walloon Government, the Walloon Public Service for Economy, Employment and Research (SPW EER) and GRE Liège with its partners AKT and AGORIA.
Skills
In his speech, Minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet highlighted the technological development opportunities and economic benefits of the Einstein Telescope project. The creation of the working group and the mobilisation of the Walloon industrial sector will enable a longer-term commitment and thus ensure clear visibility of Walloon knowledge, know-how and skills in the ET project.
During several round tables, various speakers reaffirmed that the Einstein Telescope project was designed as a scientific instrument for fundamental research, but that it also has a broader scope, with economic and human dynamics for the entire Meuse-Rhine Euroregion.
Lever
As an example, Jean-Philippe Tock (CERN) explained how the particle collider located on the French-Swiss border is not only a major scientific project, but has also become a powerful lever for industrial innovation, training, talent retention and the development of an attractive region at regional and local level, with shops, restaurants and visitor centres.
Science
Christophe Collette (ULiège) explained the high technological requirements of the Einstein telescope. This challenge also offers many opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. Daniel Kedzierski (Mecasoft) illustrated how companies could participate in concrete terms.
Added value
During the first round table, the added value of cooperation in a cross-border project was discussed. Benoit Renier (representative of the cabinet), Lionel Bonjean (SPW EER), Fabian Culot (SPI), Pascale Delcomminette (AWeX/WBI), Michel Stassart (Walloon Taskforce), Michel Moutschen (CREF), Clarisse Ramakers (AGORIA) and Olivier Vanderijst (WE) noted that cooperation in a cross-border project means that each area or region contributes its specific skills to a joint project. This led to a fascinating discussion on the position of the EMR area as a location for the telescope in a broader European context.
Industrial power
The second round table highlighted the wide range of industrial opportunities. Leading industrial players such as Arnaud Dartevelle (AMOS), Yves Delatte (Sonaca and Giwas), Virginie Dufrasnes (Lixon), Edouard Herinckx (Thomas & Piron), François Lepot (Safran Aero Boosters), François Michel (John Cockerill) and Alain Quevrin (Thales) shared their vision.
The key message was that the Einstein telescope is a scientific and industrial challenge that requires expertise across the entire value chain, from civil engineering to the most advanced technologies.
