Government sets out vision for UK Space-Sector growth
A strategic approach outlining its priorities for the high growth UK space sector was launched by UK Science Minister George Freeman at the Harwell Space Cluster.
The National Space Strategy (NSS), led by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Ministry of Defence, sets out the ways the government will:
• unlock growth in the UK space sector
• collaborate internationally with partners and allies upgrade the UK’s space capabilities
• grow the UK as a global science superpower.
STFC Executive Chair Professor Mark Thomson said: “This strategy shows that space remains a high priority for the government, and STFC will continue to play a vital role in delivering its aims. With our expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and strong links to space- technology businesses, STFC will continue the drive for the UK to become one of the world’s leading space economies and inspire the next generation of science leaders.”
After the strategy launch, the Minister toured the world-leading facilities on the campus, including the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) part of Science Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL
Space. He also visited research institutes and companies within the space cluster to fi nd out more about the campus’ role in supporting the UK’s space sector growth.
Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director of Harwell Campus Business Development and Clusters, said: “Harwell Space Cluster has more space companies within walking distance than anywhere else on our planet.
“A globally unique asset, it showcases the UK’s internationally competitive space technology and expertise to a wide audience. Through its stakeholders and companies it is connected to capability across the UK, linking supply chains to international customers.
“The Harwell Space Cluster, is looking forward to working with all its partners across industry, academia and public sector to deliver on the National Space Strategy.”
One of the fl agship facilities of the space cluster is STFC’s own RAL Space. It has worked on 217 instruments that have fl own in space, including the recent ESA Solar Orbiter mission and upcoming Webb Space Telescope. During the Minister’s visit, Professor Chris Mutlow, Director of RAL Space and Chair Cross UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Space Coordination Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Science Minister to the NSTF today. The new facility will play an important role in enabling the UK’s thriving
George Freeman visits the National Satellite Test Facility at the launch of the NSS (credit STFC)
satellite manufacturing industry to grow, offering complete testing for large spacecraft for the very fi rst time in the UK. We stand ready to help get the latest ideas off the ground.
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RFI capability a major asset to Health and Life Sciences R&D
World-leading Research Institute officially opens at Nottingham
Scientists, government offi cials and senior leaders in research and healthcare from across the UK, were amongst over 100 guests that turned out in force to attend the offi cial opening of the University of Nottingham’s Biodiscovery Institute (BDI) at the beginning of September. Opened by Professor Fiona Watt, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council and the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West, the BDI, based at Nottingham’s University Park Campus, is a world- leading hub of interdisciplinary research that will help shape the future of health and biotechnology, tackling everything from defeating cancer, to sustainable transport, regenerative medicine and the Black Death.
The Rosalind Franklin Institute, which has celebrated its offi cial opening on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is set to address major health research challenges in the UK.
The £43 million new building, which will house the Franklin team and advanced imaging technologies, was funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and built by the Science and Technology Facility Council (STFC), working with Mace.
Founded by 10 UK universities in 2018 with £103 million of Government funding delivered by EPSRC, the Franklin has contributed to the national effort on COVID-19, including indicating that llama antibodies have ‘signifi cant potential’ as a treatment for the virus.
The Institute recently installed a pioneering STEM instrument, Ruska, the fi rst of three instruments being developed to deliver unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution imaging of cryogenically frozen biomaterials and biological samples in liquid (International Labmate Sept 2021).
EPSRC Executive Chair Professor Dame Lynn Gladden opened the building alongside delegates from across industry and academia, including Nobel Prize winner Professor Sir Richard Henderson.
Professor Dame Lynn Gladden, EPSRC Executive Chair said: “By connecting physical sciences and engineering to the life sciences, we have the ability to develop new innovations to enhance our understanding of life.
“The opening of the Rosalind Franklin Institute will help us to tackle health research challenges and enable the UK to make leaps in life sciences innovation which would otherwise be inaccessible.
Professor James Naismith, Director of the Institute said: This is a proud day for the Franklin. The work we do here will provide major factor-of-ten leaps in our ability to see and understand life. These technologies will be a huge asset for the UK, and this building is the perfect home for them.”
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Fiona Watts opens BDI (Credit University of Nottingham)
With brand new research equipment and laboratories on Nottingham’s University Park Campus, the Institute is home to approximately 850 talented academics, researchers, clinicians and support staff who have generated £223 million in funding since 2014.
Despite a delay to the launch in 2020 due to the pandemic the BDI team have been working tirelessly in the battle against Covid-19, from donation of equipment to assisting with mass testing to the Government, while also having established a University Covid-19 testing service in the new labs, which has processed nearly 100,000 samples from 20,000 people.
Chris Denning, a Professor of Stem Cell Biology at the University and Director of the Biodiscovery Institute, said: “After an unforeseen delay, we are delighted to formally open this amazing facility. Our mission is simple yet complex; through chemical and biological discovery and engineering, we diagnose, treat and cure disease and provide security for quality of life. The work taking place within the labs here is truly world-changing and we hope that people have been able to see just a snapshot of what we can achieve.
Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University said: “The last year has been extremely challenging for everyone and after a long delay, we are delighted to be able to welcome people to the University to launch the Biodiscovery Institute. We are immensely proud of the facility and the research it houses, and we can now showcase this research excellence to everyone. From cancer treatment, to sustainable fuels, we hope people will get a real sense of the extraordinary team science the Institute is enabling.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West added: “The University of Nottingham has always been at the forefront of innovation in global science and healthcare, from the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to the discovery of ibuprofen. I have no doubt that the Biodiscovery Institute will continue this proud heritage, using the very latest equipment, technology and collaboration techniques in chemical and biological discovery to tackle disease and improve lives across the world.”
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“Some of the incredible equipment in the BDI includes super resolution microscopes. Not only do these give new understanding to tackle debilitating diseases, but also give an insight into the inner beauty of science. To celebrate the launch of the BDI, we have placed an Art in Science exhibition of large size images around Highfi elds Park at the University, so you can have a visual feast of science’s inner space”
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