University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland, and University of Strathclyde, Scotland, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration between the two institutions in research areas of space-related activity. The signing took place at the Scotland-Ireland space innovation conference also taking place in Glasgow this week.
The MoU includes research and innovation projects and student exchange in space-related activities including the net-zero transition; rural, coastal, and island communities; life science, space, and microbiology; as well as other projects, meetings and workshops in fields of mutual interest that may arise in the future.
The MoU aligns with the Ireland-Scotland Joint Bilateral Review which was jointly published by the two countries to explore cooperation and collaboration on shared objectives, including the support of structured research collaboration to harness expertise and enhance existing research and innovation networks.
(Pictured L-R: Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, Prof Stephen McArthur, Prof Malcolm Macdonald, University of Strathclyde, Prof Kate Robson Brown, Dr Patricia Moore, Irish Space Association, Dr Alice Bunn OBE, Chief executive officer of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the former International Director at the UK Space Agency, Prof Lorraine Hanlon)
On signing the MoU, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Professor Kate Robson Brown said: “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 such as materials development, robotics, AI/data and health and life sciences. Perhaps even more importantly though, 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. I am delighted to forge this partnership with University of Strathclyde and strengthen our relationship with such a valued ally in the space industry and beyond, which will benefit our research, innovation and education programmes and help to build the talent pipelines to sustain current and future development in the sector.”
Professor Stephen McArthur, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Engineering at University of Strathclyde said: “Scotland is a prime example of how collaboration and partnership can grow a strong space industry and space research. 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. 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.”
Central to the relationship is the UCD C-Space Centre, reland’s leading centre for interdisciplinary collaborative space-related research, innovation and education. Director of UCD C-Space and Professor of Astronomy at UCD School of Physics, Professor Lorraine Hanlon said: “With the advent of small satellites and cheaper launches, researchers and companies in Ireland can build innovative missions for scientific research and develop technologies that use satellites for the benefit of society. As we advance Ireland’s space research and innovation, we take inspiration from Scotland’s successes.”
UCD is also host organisation of the National Space Subsystems and Payloads Initiative (NSSPI), advancing space technology development through collaboration, expertise, and research, in partnership with industry including Réaltra, Ubotica, Altera, mBryonics, Equal1 and ÉireComposites. Director of NSSPI and Assistant Professor at UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Dr David McKeown said: “As Ireland continues to expand its capabilities in space technology development through projects like the NSSPI, forging strong alliances with other small nations that have successfully established themselves in this sector is invaluable for our researchers and companies. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and exploring new opportunities for collaboration."
UCD C-Space and NSSPI joined Irish space-related companies and University of Strathclyde at the Scotland-Ireland space innovation conference ‘Growing the Space Economy Together’ in Glasgow.