Satellite Test Facility Construction Progresses Forward


The National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF), the first of its kind in the UK that will help more complex spacecraft get ready for launch, continues to take shape at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) Space site in Oxfordshire. More than 900 tonnes of steel framework and 3000m2 of concrete completed the main structure of the £105 million test centre last October. Construction partners Mace have since installed the suspension system for the vibration facility; this will test satellites and payloads up to 7000 kg to ensure that they can withstand the bumpy ride into space. Work is also being carried out on an Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) chamber – an area free from electromagnetic background noise, where spacecraft electronics can be checked and tested.


Professor Chris Mutlow, Director of RAL Space said: “We are well on our way to opening our doors to the space sector. Large satellites require at least 6 months of testing before they’re launched and this becomes longer and more expensive if all the test equipment is in different places. It’s fantastic to see the test equipment shaping up under one roof. The space sector in the UK is thriving and we’re looking forward to offering this one-stop-shop to support the development of larger and more advanced spacecraft in the UK.”


Rob Bridges Project Director for Mace said: “It is an honour to


The Front of the UK’s National Satellite Test Facility (Credit: STFC RAL Space)


be leading the international multi-disciplinary team delivering the NSTF. From the first design workshop my team have been challenged to bring together a blend of technologies and innovations to design and deliver a future proofed, flexible building that will not only house specialist testing equipment but is required to be integral to the testing providing a stable environment, whilst using the structure as a dynamic part of the testing process.”


Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology 2021: Call for Entries


Eppendorf and the journal Science are now accepting applications for the 2021 Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology. This annual international research prize of US$25,000 is awarded to young scientists for their outstanding contributions to neurobiological research based on methods of molecular and cell biology.


Researchers who are not older than 35 years are invited to apply by 15 June 2021. The winner and finalists are selected by a committee of independent scientists, chaired by Science’s Senior Editor, Dr Peter Stern.


The 2020 prize was won by the American scientist Christopher Zimmerman, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, New Jersey, USA for his research on the neural circuits that govern thirst and drinking behaviour.


To learn more about the prize and to view a film interview with Christopher Zimmerman, visit the Eppendorf website.


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Technical Excellence Award Categories Open


Nominations are being accepted for the Papin prizes, awards which celebrate the outstanding work that higher education technicians do, often behind the scenes. Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic the technical community has been at the forefront of transitioning academic teaching online, in making university campuses COVID-secure and in support of world-leading COVID research at universities. A special prize category has been launched to recognise the efforts of a technical team or an individual during the pandemic. Nominations will close on 30 April.


Kelly Vere MBE, Technician Commitment lead for the Science Council, and Director of Technical Skills and Strategy, at the University of Nottingham, said: “Technical colleagues across the sector have been at the forefront of the response to Covid-19, supporting critical research, the national testing programme and aiding the civic response to the pandemic. Technicians have also had to act swiftly in response to new government guidance – including opening up testing sites on campuses and transitioning learning online - and so we look forward to receiving and reading nominations for this extra special COVID Recognition award.”


This awards will be presented at the UK Higher Education Technician Summit (HETS), to be held this year which at the University of Nottingham’s East Midlands Conference Centre.


“HETS focuses on addressing key topics and issues impacting the technical community along with sessions that facilitate the sharing of best practice across the sector. The landscape in terms of the importance of supporting technical colleagues has grown exponentially in recent times. HETS 2021 will see discussions on the progress of


Aerial view of Norwich Research Park


The new Norwich Institute for Sustainable Development, launched on Feb 1 will focus on developing solutions to enable farmers all over the world to build resilience to variability in rainfall, periods of drought and more extreme and unpredictable weather events.


Launched with £750,000 of funding from the John Innes Foundation, the new Institute will be based at Norwich Research Park, alongside partners the Earlham Institute (EI), Quadram Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory and represents a landmark as the first formal partnership of expertise in plant science from the John Innes Centre and the social sciences from UEA’s School of International Development.


Research shows that yields of major staple foods like grains, fruits and vegetables are expected to decrease, with global temperatures soaring year on year, and it is hoped the work of the Institute can help to mitigate these stark predictions.


Professor Neil Hall, Director of EI, said: “I’m delighted the Earlham Institute will be a partner on this important initiative. The collective knowledge, expertise and passion we have in the region will allow us to drive forward the research, policies and public awareness that are all needed to safeguard the health of our planet and wellbeing of future generations”


HETS 2019 award winners


the UK’s first technician-focused Policy Commission, and the Government’s recently published R&D Roadmap and planned expansion of Research and Development funding. Without investment and support for the UK’s technical community it will be impossible for the Government to achieve its aspirations of becoming a ‘Science Superpower’ and the increase in R&D funding to get it there, ” added Kelly Vere.


UK HETS is hosted by Midlands Innovation, a partnership of eight universities - Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham & Warwick -, in partnership with the Science Council.


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Professor Nitya Rao, Director for the new Institute said: “This is the most critical issue facing the world today. If we don’t act now crop yields will continue to reduce and become more unreliable over time.


“People in the UK and across the world could soon see everyday foods like bread, cereals and tomatoes becoming scarcer and more expensive. This will affect those who are most vulnerable who may be unable to access adequate, nutritious and affordable food for themselves and their families.


“It’s not all bad news though, as researchers have made considerable progress over the last 50 years, with technologies now available for dealing with pests, diseases and water scarcity, alongside attention to what people actually need. A key focus for us is to change the way we work – to make sure that innovations meet farmers’ needs around the world, supporting farming communities to make agriculture more resilient and supporting the world’s food supply.”


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Large Space Test Chamber built by ASC (Credit: STFC RAL Space)


The NSTF, being delivered by Mace and procured under the Southern Construction Framework, has been funded by the UK Research and Innovation as part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.


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UK Centre to Help Improve Global


Food Security


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