Understanding what the face of Space looks like in the Midlands
With over 900 employees working within the broad academic umbrella of ‘Space’ across Midlands Innovation’s eight partner institutions, forming a regional research network posed both a challenge and an opportunity for Midlands Space Innovation. Whilst coordinating a collaborative network on this scale is no easy feat, Midlands Space Innovation forms one of the largest groupings of Space Research in the UK.
The range of expertise within this grouping is extensive and diverse, spanning multiple relevant disciplines, from aerospace engineering to planetary exploration and more. By forming a group of this kind, Midlands Space Innovation were able to put a face to what Space Research looks like in the Midlands and establish the region’s reputation as a leading voice in the UK’s Space industry.
Mapping the impact of Midlands Space Innovation
Space Park Leicester
Talking to the Network’s chair Professor Martin Barstow, a clear and tangible output of the network is the development of Space Park Leicester. Professor Barstow notes that the collaborative efforts of Midlands Space Innovation partners helped to secure funding for Space Park Leicester in two ways:
- Letters of support: letters of support for Space Park Leicester were submitted by Midlands Innovation partner universities to showcase the region-wide approval of the Space Park being developed which helped to secure funding from Research England.
- Directory of experts: Midlands Space Innovation developed a database of experts, establishing the full scale of expertise across the Midlands Innovation partners. This evidence helped to secure further funding for the Space Park from the Space Agency.
Following this support, the facilities at Space Park Leicester have been used for Midlands Innovation Space Group activities and are available to academics working in Space Research at the Midlands Innovation partner institutions.
Midlands Space Cluster
A further tangible outcome of the Midlands Space Innovation’s collaborative efforts is the development of the Midlands Space Cluster. A collaboration of Midlands Space Innovation institutions put forward a successful bid to the Space Agency to secure funding for Midlands Space Cluster.
Midlands Space Cluster aims to support existing capabilities in Space Research in the Midlands, placing academics and businesses working in Space into contact with one another. The Cluster hosts workshops and conferences aimed at fostering discussion and collaboration amongst interested parties.
The intangible impact of Midlands Space Innovation
Whilst tangible outcomes such as funding bids are important, another key factor to consider is the intangible benefits of a network like Midlands Space Innovation. Professor Barstow outlines the importance of these benefits:
- Knowledge sharing: the group provides an accessible forum for academics to exchange ideas and to learn from one another.
- Encourage collaboration: through providing a forum for discussion, academics are encouraged to interact, creating opportunities for collaborative projects such as the Midlands Space Cluster.
Most recently, the Cluster met to discuss opportunities for sharing data. The topics discussed at workshops and forums are subject specific and informed by the interests and needs of the group. They also help to provide opportunities for communication and collaboration amongst academics operating within the same region.
By encouraging academics to communicate across institutions in a historically competitive field such as Space, the Midlands Space Network is helping to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing – creating further opportunities to further boost the profile of the Midlands as a leading voice in the UK’s Space industry.
