CONSORZIO PER LA RICERCA NELL' AUTOMATICA E NELLE TELECOMUNICAZIONI C.R.A.T.

Their core work

CRAT is a Rome-based research consortium focused on telecommunications, automation, and ICT security. They specialize in assessing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure (energy grids, gas networks, industrial control systems) and in advancing 5G network integration — particularly satellite-cellular convergence. Their work bridges cybersecurity for essential services with next-generation communications, providing validation, testing, and data science capabilities to large European consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

CRAT's early H2020 work (2015–2018) centered on critical infrastructure protection — securing SCADA systems, analyzing cascading failures across smart grids and gas networks, and modeling cyber-physical interdependencies. From 2018 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward 5G telecommunications and space-related data science, with projects on satellite-cellular integration and 5G deployment validation. This trajectory suggests a move from defensive ICT security toward enabling next-generation communications infrastructure.

CRAT is moving from protecting legacy infrastructure toward building and validating next-generation 5G and satellite-integrated communications systems.

How they like to work

CRAT consistently operates as a participant rather than a consortium leader — they have never coordinated an H2020 project. With 64 unique partners across 15 countries, they are well-connected across diverse European consortia. Their pattern suggests they contribute specialized telecommunications and security expertise to large collaborative projects rather than setting the research agenda themselves.

CRAT has worked with 64 different partners across 15 countries, indicating broad European reach despite their modest project count. Their network spans transport, security, digital, and space sectors, connecting them to a wide range of research and industry actors.

What sets them apart

CRAT sits at the intersection of telecommunications research and critical infrastructure security — a combination that is increasingly relevant as 5G networks become essential infrastructure. Their affiliation with Sapienza University of Rome (via INFOCOM) gives them access to strong academic talent while their consortium structure allows flexible participation in applied research. For consortium builders, they offer a reliable Italian partner with hands-on experience in both securing and advancing communications systems.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ATENA
  Largest funded project (EUR 692K) tackling the critical challenge of ICT dependencies in energy grids and industrial control systems, including SCADA cyber security.
• 5G-ALLSTAR
  Addressed the technically demanding integration of satellite and cellular 5G networks — a capability with growing strategic importance for European connectivity.
• 5G-SOLUTIONS
  Part of the 5G-PPP programme validating real-world 5G deployment across vertical industries, connecting CRAT to the broader European 5G ecosystem.