Big data, sensors, mobility, new materials and other technologies are disrupting all aspects of how society lives, works and interacts. Amidst this profound transformation, it is essential to provide today’s students with the latest technological innovations, preparing them to be the thinkers, inventors, builders and leaders of future generations – and no technology offers more promise for both education and discovery than 3D. Earlier this month, Dassault Systèmes North America took a new step towards ensuring the innovators of tomorrow are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
“La Fondation Dassault Systèmes leverages the power of experience to transform the way we learn and discover, and ultimately stretch the limits of knowledge for the benefit of all.” Bernard Charlès, La Fondation Honorary Chairman.
Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company and world leader in 3D design software and 3D digital mock up recently launched the Dassault Systemes U.S. Foundation – expanding on a global initiative launched in Europe in November 2015 as La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. The Dassault Systèmes U.S Foundation extends the scope of the foundation’s social action to the U.S., enabling the creation of new learning experiences and encouraging greater interest in science, math, engineering and technology disciplines among students.
Al Bunshaft, senior vice president of Global Affairs in the Americas has been named as President. The nonprofit Dassault Systèmes U.S. Foundation, based near Boston, will provide grants, digital content and skillsets in virtual technologies to select projects proposed by teachers, schools, researchers, museums and other foundations located in the U.S.
We caught up with Bunshaft following the U.S. launch.
Q: What initially prompted Dassault Systèmes to launch La Fondation?
Al Bunshaft: Over the past three decades, 3D technology has permeated virtually every global industry, becoming the standard for how businesses design, simulate, test, manufacture and improve products that range from commercial airplanes to runway fashions. Now add cloud technology, and businesses can collaborate across boundaries, facilitating innovation regardless of location, language, or discipline, both inside and outside an organization. While industry has forged ahead, however, education and science have lagged, lacking the experience, knowledge and funding to fully apply 3D to their fields. To close this gap Dassault Systemes –has established La Fondation Dassault Systemes, dedicated to transforming the future of education and research by harnessing the powerful learning and discovery capabilities of 3D technology and virtual universes.
Q: What is the promise of applying 3D technology to education and learning?
Al Bunshaft: With 3D virtual universes we can combine theory, experimentation and imagination to offer more than traditional books, lectures, whiteboards and research laboratories ever could; a digital, realistic world that makes learning and experimentation easier and richer. Equipped with accurate 3D models of the real world and the know-how to use them, today’s students will be better prepared for tomorrow’s real-world experiences, and researchers will be empowered to find better answers to difficult challenges more quickly.
Q: Finally, what is your vision for The Dassault Systèmes U.S. Foundation?
Al Bunshaft: Let me take a specific example and talk about the first project announced by the Dassault Systèmes U.S. Foundation. This project is a workforce development initiative focused on training the next generation of engineers with the skills needed by the aerospace, high-tech and transportation industries.
This initiative speaks to the huge demand for trained talent that we’re hearing from employers to create new educational content with the learning and discovery capabilities of 3D technology and virtual universes. The project with Base11 and University of California Irvine will deploy a project-based curriculum that will initially be used in the university as well as three community colleges in the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix areas. This will offer a solution for employers, while simultaneously changing the lives of underserved students and their communities. This project with Base11 and UC Irvine is exemplary of the type of project that we expect more of in the future, helping to positively impact many levels of our society.
