Electronic Warfare Chair (CEDR) at the University of Pretoria

Transcription

1 Electronic Warfare Chair (CEDR) at the University of Pretoria Prof. Warren du Plessis Associate Professor Chair in Electronic Defence Research University of Pretoria 1

2 Overview What is EW? Why a Chair in EW? Why the University of Pretoria? What is the CEDR's mission? What is the current status? What does each degree require? 2

3 What is EW? 3

4 EW Definition Electronic defence deals with the exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) to the maximum benefit of oneself and one s allies, and to the maximum detriment of one s adversaries. Clear link between EW and the EMS Overly broad all uses of the EMS are not sub-fields of EW! Clear that EW is relevant to all users of the EMS Distinguishes between EW and IO, Cyber, IW, C&C, etc. Avoids the use of the word enemies 4

5 Why a Chair in EW? 5

6 Innovation Ecosystem Three communities required Research Development Application South African EW community Significant and active Mainly development and application Radical innovation Need freedom to explore Require low cost to justify high risk Adapted from Judi Estrin, Closing the Innovation Gap Reigniting the Spark of Creativity in a Global Economy 6

7 Innovation Chain NASA technology readiness levels Proven system in operation Qualified system through demonstration Prototype demonstrated in operational environment Model or prototype demonstrated in the relevant environment Breadboard validation in relevant environment Breadboard validation in laboratory Proof of concept crictical function or characteristic Technology concept formulated Basic principles observed and reported Adapted from W. P. du Plessis, Towards the SA DERI, Aardvark Roost Symposium

8 Innovation Chain NASA technology readiness levels SANDF/SAPS Industry/SANDF/SAPS Industry/DERI DERI/Industry DERI DERI Academia/DERI? Academia/DERI? Academia Adapted from W. P. du Plessis, Towards the SA DERI, Aardvark Roost Symposium

9 EW Skills Not a single technology Any use of the EMS Many relevant fields More a way of thinking Important overlaps with Cyber, IW, IO, C&C and others Complementary EMS can be difficult to understand Unseen Quite unlike other physical domains Require specialist training 9

10 Why the University of Pretoria? 10

11 Top People High standards for appointments NRF-rated researchers 1 A (Leading international researcher) 4 B (Internationally acclaimed researcher) 5 C (Established researcher) 1 Y (Promising young researcher) IEEE Twelve Senior Members Two Fellows Numerous best-paper awards 2012 best paper award in an IEEE Transactions journal Written by students 11

12 Suitability for EW Research Many different specialisations 9 research groups Near most major South-African EW organisations Encourages collaboration Access to facilities Unmatched facilities Library, compact range, laboratories, etc. High standards International-quality degrees Benchmarking 12

13 What is the CEDR's Mission? 13

14 Mission Statement The mission of the CEDR is to preform research and innovate at the forefront in the field of ED, to source and supervise postgraduate students in this research field, to produce research papers for international journals and conference proceedings, to create IP to the benefit of the people of South Africa. (Emphasis added.) 14

15 Academia's Role in Innovation Academic freedom Freedom to explore Students Young and enthusiastic, not aware of widely-held views Variable quality and relatively short duration Result High potential reward High risk Low cost 15

16 EW Research at Universities Initial research Ideas and concepts No operational systems involved Mad ideas Ideal environment for high-risk, non-critical projects Collaboration is essential Minimise risk and maximise return Ensure relevance of work Retain knowledge gained 16

17 Training Main types of training Undergraduate Postgraduate Short courses (CPD) CEDR focus is on postgraduate training Goals Grow advanced skills Perform research Complementary processes 17

18 Research for Training Research expands the current state of the art Explore current state of the art Identify gaps Address identified gaps Students work on problems Not just about passing an examination Cannot merely apply standard solutions Allow time to develop engineering skills Allow time to master a topic 18

19 What is the Current Status? 19

20 CEDR Status Chair appointed in December 2012 No new degree programmes Leverage reputation of existing degrees Potentially more attractive to students Honours New subject registered and presented A second new subject is being registered Masters and Ph.D. Research topic in ED Already have students 20

21 What Does Each Degree Require? 21

22 Degree Requirements Bachelors Degree Broad basic training Honours Degree Preparation for Masters Four modules (subjects) to assist student growth Masters Degree Advanced engineering project Research focus Ph.D. Student-driven research International benchmarking 22

23 Summary 23

24 Summary CEDR established at the University of Pretoria Addresses a crucial gap in RSA EW community Top university in relevant fields Focus is on research and postgraduate studies Postgraduate degrees with EW focus are available New modules Research as a vehicle for learning Benchmarking receives high priority 24

25 Looking forward to collaborating with you! 25

26 Thank you! This work is based on the research supported in part by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the Nation Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) (Grant specific unique reference number (UID) 85845). The NRF Grantholder acknowledges that opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in any publication generated by the NRF supported research are that of the author(s), and that the NRF accepts no liability whatsoever in this regard. 26