Major investment boost announced for North East space sector

A multi-million-pound investment is set to elevate the North East’s prominence in space research and innovation, driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has awarded £2.5 million to the North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA), a consortium of academic, civic and industry leaders which includes Northumbria, Durham and Newcastle universities, the North East Combined Authority, Space North East England and the North East Space Leadership Group, as well as 14 industry partners.

NESCA will focus on advancing resilient space communications technology, contributing to the UK’s ambition of becoming a global space leader and “positioning North East England as a leader in space innovation”.

Led by Northumbria University, with Durham University and Newcastle University as key partners, NESCA will integrate research and commercial expertise. Its three-pronged strategy includes an innovation fund to support new ideas, regional and national engagement activities and skill-building initiatives such as summer schools and professional development programmes.

Professor Vincent Barrioz, of Northumbria University’s Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, leads the project.

He said: “The North East is recognised as a prime location for the rapid growth of space innovation, skills development, investment, and industry, which, if nurtured, will transform the industrial landscape of the region.

“NESCA will provide the structure and resources to ensure that innovation taking place in our universities is driven by, aligned with, and delivered in collaboration with regional partners to deliver place-based impact.

“Specifically, it will bridge the gap between space research and industry-ready products launching in the market.”

Professor Vincent Barrioz

His comments were echoed by Professor James Osborn, director of Durham’s Space Research Centre, who added: “This is an exciting opportunity that represents a crucial step towards positioning North East England as a leader in space innovation.

“NESCA’s collaborative approach brings together a range of diverse expertise to advance sustainable space technologies and resilient communications systems.

“This initiative not only strengthens our region’s capabilities but also aligns with our commitment to creating long-term, responsible solutions for space exploration.”

EPSRC’s funding aligns with ongoing investments, such as Northumbria University’s £50 million North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, Durham University’s £5 million Space Research Centre, and Newcastle University’s EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Geospatial Systems.

NESCA, which will officially launch in early 2025, is one of seven new projects announced today by EPSRC and funded through its Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme. Sharing £22 million between them, the projects will strengthen emerging and existing research and innovation clusters to kickstart economic growth and address regional needs.

Professor Charlotte Deane, EPSRC executive chair, added: “The seven projects announced today (19 November) will harness regional research and innovation strengths to unleash the potential of emerging and existing innovation clusters across the UK.

“Our investment will strengthen partnerships between UK universities, civic bodies and local businesses to create new jobs, improve skills and boost regional economic growth that will benefit places and communities directly.”

Newcastle University's academic lead Dr Deepavan Bhowmilk, a senior lecturer in data science at the School of Computing, expressed his gratitude to EPSRC, adding: “With the recent and rapid growth in North East’s space industry, NESCA is a timely investment from EPSRC that will boost the innovation and impact in the region.

“Resource availability through NESCA will strengthen industry-academic engagements even more and support regional skills development.

“Leveraging the School of Computing’s strength in applied data science & AI, Newcastle University will lead in delivering AI in space research and skills-related activities within NESCA that nicely complement the other two university partners.”

Organisations or individuals interested in finding out more about the opportunities being created through NESCA can email nesca@northumbria.ac.uk for more information.

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