Committees

Science and Technology Committee holds two evidence sessions on space and innovation

3 February 2022

The Science and Technology Committee holds two evidence sessions for its inquiries into UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure and the role of technology, research and innovation in the COVID-19 recovery.

The purpose of the session

On Wednesday 9 February, the Committee will scrutinise the UK's national space strategy, addressing the strengths and weaknesses identified during the inquiry to date. Topic areas are likely to include funding, resilience of core capabilities and timings of UK launch. The Committee will then examine the Government's approach to space policy with the Secretary of State for Business, Kwasi Kwarteng.

On Thursday 10 February, the Committee will visit Glasgow, where as well as visiting space and satellite-related businesses and educational institutions, it will hear from a panel of experts in the Scottish space sector. This session will focus on the strengths of the Scottish space sector and the challenges it faces, as part of the Committee’s inquiry into the role of technology, research and innovation in the COVID-19 recovery. The session will be an opportunity to showcase innovation in Scotland and explore how science and technology can contribute to the country’s economic recovery from covid-19 as well as the support needed from the Government to aid R&I investment and benefits in Scotland. 

Witnesses

Wednesday 9 February 2022

 Panel one, at 9.30am:

  • Dr Paul Bate, CEO, UK Space Agency; and
  • Professor Mark Thomson, Executive Chair, Science and Technology Facilities Council

Panel two, at approx. 10.30am:  

  • Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
  • Rebecca Evernden, Director for Space, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
  • Hugo Robson, Chief Negotiator, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Thursday 10 February, 1.00pm, Glasgow

Panel one, at 1.00pm:

  • Professor Malcolm Macdonald, Chair of Applied Space Technology, University of Strathclyde; and
  • Professor Iain Woodhouse, Professor of Applied Earth Observation, University of Edinburgh

Panel two, at approx. 1.45pm:  

  • Professor Frank Coton, Senior Vice Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Glasgow; and
  • Karen Watts, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council.

 Panel three, at approx. 2.30pm:  

  • Dr Gillian Lang, Deputy Director of Science, Glasgow Science Centre;
  • Elaine Gemmell, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Scottish Health Innovations Ltd; and
  • Dr Lynne O’Hare, Chief Commercial Officer, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland

Panel four, at approx. 3.15pm:  

  • Simon Andrews, Executive Director, Fraunhofer UK; and
  • Dr Stuart Hannah, Founder, MicroPlate Dx.

Further information

Image: MOD