
Shaping UK space science strategy
Earlier in 2024, the Institute of Physics (IOP) brought together leaders of the UK space sector from academia, industry and government, to discuss the need for a UK space science strategy along with the key themes and priorities it should address. Discussions were held under the Chatham House rule, and the IOP has published a readout detailing the arguments put forward.
About the readout
On Wednesday 31 July 2024, the Institute of Physics (IOP) hosted a dinner and roundtable discussion with high-level stakeholders in government, academia and industry from the UK space science and related sectors. The purpose of the event was to begin a process of articulating the importance of a strategic plan for UK space science and to consider some of the parameters that could shape it. Its aim was to gather a range of views and insights on space science in the UK, with discussions around its strengths and weaknesses, as well as national and wider environmental opportunities and threats.
Recommendations for action and key issues now in the readout:
- The need for a well-supported long-term space science strategy was universally recognised. The new UK government has indicated an intention to invest for the long term in science. Currently the structure of ministerial responsibilities, and ownership of aspects of space strategy is widely distributed. At the same time, the community has great strengths and is small enough that it has the potential to come together to be more than the sum of parts. It is important that the government works strategically to support long-term planning for space science, which will give confidence to international partners, our universities and the private sector.
- The value of a strategy process, including all the relevant stakeholders, with clear roles and responsibilities, and accountability, that takes some difficult decisions for the benefit of the community over the long term, came through in various remarks.
- A strategy could enable UK companies and research institutions to benefit more from the commercial opportunities, and to further build its reputation to work with a broader range of international partners on science missions, including developing opportunities to partner with Nasa, while maintaining and building important role with the European Space Agency (ESA).
- It could address structural skills issues which threaten to hold the sector back, such as the financial health of the university system, and how they work with each other, and industry. Equally, broadening participation in physics is key to the future health of technology sectors but is undermined by a failure to recruit specialist physics teachers in schools.
- Important additional arguments were made about the need for a national strategy to include academia and industry: recognising the important role of primes in large-scale science endeavours as well anchoring an ecosystem where UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit as part of the supply chain.
- Finally, the space science community must also consider its role in support of government – and articulate how space science can support solving challenges in our everyday lives.
Download the readout
Space in focus
Publication of our Shaping UK space science strategy readout is just one of a number of activities the IOP is undertaking as we develop our growing focus on space:
- The IOP Space Group, the newest of our communities of IOP members focused on a particular area of interest, launched in 2024 with an aim of “promoting, representing and connecting interested parties within the space domain”.
- In Summer 2024 the IOP published the children’s book Mimi’s Space Adventure, part of our Limit Less campaign, to support young people to change the world and fulfil their potential by doing physics. Mimi’s Space Adventure was one of 15 projects to receive funding from the UK Space Agency ‘Space for All’ grant designed to engage and inspire the next generation into STEM careers.
- In 2025 we plan to build on strategic discussions we’ve been having with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the UK Space Agency and deliver an impact project that shines a light on the hidden physics story of how space science and technology applications in established sectors shape our lives, and our economy.
Science and innovation
To find out more about how the IOP is shaping the debate on the most important physics topics to our science and innovation community in the UK and Ireland, visit our science and innovation page.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about any of the IOP’s activities around space or would like to find out more then email: [email protected].