UCD and University of Strathclyde sign memorandum of understanding on space-related research and innovation
28 February 2025
Dr Paul Bate, Prof Stephen McArthur, Prof Malcolm Macdonald, Prof Kate Robson Brown, Dr Patricia Moore, Dr Alice Bunn OBE and Prof Lorraine Hanlon at the memorandum signing
UCD and University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster potential collaboration in research for space-related activities.
The universities aim to work together on research and innovation projects and student exchange initiatives to tackle global space-related challenges.
Areas of focus will include the work towards achieving net-zero emissions, as well as economic growth and technological advancements in rural, coastal and island communities.
The memorandum was signed at the Scotland-Ireland space innovation conference, ‘Growing the Space Economy Together’, in Glasgow this week.
The conference addressed findings from the Ireland-Scotland Joint Bilateral Review, which was jointly published by the two countries to explore shared objectives, including the support of structured research collaboration.
Central to the relationship will be the UCD Centre for Space Research, Ireland’s leading centre for interdisciplinary collaborative space-related research, innovation and education.
“We are in a new space era, witnessing an acceleration in large-scale space missions that offer vast opportunities for research and innovation, both in fundamental science and many applied domains,” said Professor Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact.
“Modern life in our societies is increasingly underpinned by in-orbit services, and it is important for small nations like Ireland to take an interest in the development of this sector. Scotland provides a great example of how to carve out niches in the space sector with vast economic and societal benefits. This partnership with University of Strathclyde will benefit our research, innovation and education programmes and help to build the talent pipelines to sustain current and future development in the sector.”
“At the University of Strathclyde, we take great pride in playing a key role in the growth of Scotland’s vibrant space sector, and we are honoured to support UCD in shaping Ireland's sector in a similar way,” added Professor Stephen McArthur, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Engineering at University of Strathclyde.
“Strengthening ties between Scottish and Irish institutions can only help foster innovation and expand research, furthering the potential of the sector to contribute to major global objectives.”
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
