The Space Partnership has published a new report today on the Role & Impact of Academia on the UK Space Sector. know.space was commissioned to produce a report to map the size and nature of the UK’s academic space research base, understand available sources of funding and assess the impact of academia on the UK space sector.
“This valuable report clearly shows the fundamental role that academia plays in underpinning the national space ambition. At a time when the university sector is under pressure, having a trusted evidence base to inform decision making is critical.”
– Professor Mark Sims, Co-Chair of the Space Academic Network (SPAN)
The report at a glance
- Identifies 112 active space research organisations across the UK
- Estimates more than 5,200 researchers in total at post-doctoral level or above across every UK region and Devolved Administration
- Identifies over £260m in competitively awarded research funding flowing annually to the UK space research base
- Thematic analysis assessing across 6 key impact themes: scientific advances, skills, innovation, defence, competitiveness and policy
- 9 impact case studies highlight just a few examples of how academic research translates into economic growth for the UK space sector and develops capability as well as the broader spillover benefits.
“The UK space sector has long been underpinned by collaboration between industry and the academic community. This report provides a welcome analysis of the breadth and depth within the academic space community. We welcome its findings and look forward to exploring how partnership working can be broadened and deepened in our common endeavour to extend human knowledge and ensure space benefits every citizen.”
– Doug Liddle, Chair of UKspace
The report concludes that the academic contribution extends well beyond scientific discovery, with universities and research organisations providing a key funnel of innovation and technical expertise to support the development of skills, regional growth, policy capability and long-term national resilience.
“Universities and researchers, from across the country, are a vital part of the UK’s space ecosystem, underpinning the capabilities we need for economic growth and national security. With around 70% of the UK Space Agency’s national programme funding awarded to research organisations, the government is bolstering UK space academia to be global leaders in science, innovation, and international collaboration.”
– Rebecca Evernden, Director of the UK Space Agency
The Space Partnership will host a hybrid discussion event on Tuesday 23 June (11:00–13:30) in London, bringing academia, industry and government together to consider the findings of the report and the implications for the sector as a whole. This will include a presentation from know.space on the research.
For more details on the research and the discussion event, please contact: info@spacepartnership.org.uk.
