National space sector funding for university natural capital project
A Newcastle University project delivered through the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) and School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) to receive funding from UK Space Agency.
16 February 2023
Regional space capabilities
Using the Rural Design Centre’s design-thinking expertise, the three-month project will determine the demand for, and feasibility of, setting up a regional initiative to develop space capabilities for monitoring, managing and mapping natural assets. It will involve discussions with natural resource stewards (land managers, advisors, owners), space sector businesses (consultants, analysts, software providers) and researchers with relevant expertise (natural capital accounting, remote sensing, agro-ecological land management, agro-forestry, etc).
Dr Rachel Gaulton, Senior Lecturer in Remote Sensing in Newcastle University’s SNES, said: “Given the desire to boost the space sector nationally and the opportunities that brings to Level Up the economy, we’re keen to discover what scope there is to expand capabilities in the North East associated with natural assets.
“By engaging with those directly involved in managing and monitoring natural capital assets and ecosystem services, from forests and rivers to coastlines, we will be able to build up a picture of how space sector capabilities could be developed further for social, environmental and economic benefit, whilst contributing to a growing space cluster in this region.”
NICRE director Jeremy Phillipson, Professor of Rural Development at the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University, said: “Unlocking potential in the rural economy is at the heart of NICRE, and we are delighted to be working with partners on this study to harness innovation through connecting the space sector with organisations and businesses vital to the stewardship of our natural environment.”
If you are interested in this study and/or attending planned events, contact project manager Amelia Magistrali at amelia.magistrali@ncl.ac.uk.
Commenting on all the projects funded, Secretary of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Michelle Donelan said: “These projects will tap into the wealth of talent found in places like Cornwall and the east Midlands, as well as across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, while using space and satellite technology to support local communities.
“This funding will help link local clusters to valuable networks of innovators and investors, showcasing the strengths of the UK space sector to international investors and levelling up the economy.”
The projects are focused on piloting local activity that could be scaled up and rolled out nationally and are being supported by the UK Space Agency’s delivery partner the Satellite Applications Catapult. For more information, see here.