Descartes Institute
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Descartes Institute, headquartered in Paris, France, is a non-profit organization established according to the 1901 French law for associations to help accelerate the rapid emergence of innovators and innovation in Europe. The need for innovation catalysts is critical for maintaining the competitive advantage of knowledge-based economies. Descartes Institute incubates and nurtures technologists and technology in core focus areas using its team’s experience in industry and research.
Key technology focus areas are:
- Cognitive Engineering
- Advanced Computing
- Wireless & Telecommunications
- Energy Security & Engineering
- Global Defense Technologies
The institute offers the following services in its technology focus areas:
- Technology Incubation to transfer innovation to the marketplace
- Research & development to create new ideas and develop more innovation
- Education services to nurture innovators with knowledge and experience
[edit] Brief History
The Descartes institution was created by a group of researchers at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (CADS) who focused on cognitive studies and its applications. While at CADS the group hosted and sponsored several seminars, workshops and conferences. The Descartes Medal in Cognitive Studies(DMCS) was conceived to award scholars and researchers for their achievements in Cognition. The first inauguration was in September 29, 2006 where Dr. Vladimir Lefebvre was awarded the Descartes’ medal in recognition of his lifetime achievements in mathematical psychology during the Descartes Conference on Mathematical Models in Counterterrorism chaired by Dr. Jerrold Post. After a series of successful affiliations, partnerships and projects, the group decided to create an academic institution in Europe to help accelerate the growth of innovation capitalizing on strong industry ties.
The Descartes Institute (DI) today is an independent institution that provides special reporting and analysis services in specific areas of cognitive engineering, advanced computing concepts and methodologies, green energy engineering, energy security and emerging technology markets. Through hosting joint conferences and workshops DI is dedicated to attract and engage academia, industry, and governments in Europe to boost innovation in critical areas. The educational services of DI will allow American and European scientists, researchers, innovators, industry leaders, and government officials to streamline their efforts and invest in common sustainable and feasible solutions.
[edit] Name Origin
The Descartes Institute chose its name to honor the memory of Rene Descartes, the great French mathematician and philosopher of the 16th century, to embody his interdisciplinary spirit in science and technology.
