The leaders visited STFC’s RAL Space facility to learn more about the contribution UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) makes to defence on behalf of the UK.
The visit was hosted by Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director of Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus at the Science and Technology Facility Council (STFC).
The visit showcased with industry and other partners how powerful innovation ecosystems and clusters help deliver growth and respond more quickly to national priorities.
Highlighting the space sector
This was the first time the Prime Minister (PM) and NATO Secretary General Mr Rutte had met face-to-face.
UKRI colleagues and partners from the UK Space Agency, UK Space Command and industry were able to discuss defence issues at RAL Space.
They discussed the recent launch of the UK Space and Defence Gateway at our Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
The discussion highlighted how the space sector could further support the UK’s national security and economic growth.
Advancing knowledge
Speaking about the visit to the Harwell Science and Innovation campus UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman said:
The work that we do to advance knowledge, to improve lives and to drive growth is central to the Industrial Strategy pillar around defence and national security, our campuses play a key role in that, that is why we have been hosting the visit by the PM and the NATO Secretary General at Harwell. The discussions we had during the visit absolutely shape our forward strategy and indeed what we deliver for the country.
Supporting the UK’s space sector
After touring RAL Space facilities and learning first-hand from our colleagues about how we support the UK’s space sector, the leaders attended a business showcase. It featured space and defence organisations within our ecosystem from across the country who are pivotal to the UK’s growing capabilities in these sectors.
Dr Barbara Ghinelli is also the founder of the UK Space and Defence Gateway based at Harwell and said:
Discussions at the showcase highlighted the importance of having a UK Space and Defence Gateway that provides a trusted environment for joint activities and a front door for collaboration with European and allied nations, empowering innovators from across the UK to build commercial and financial resilience while strengthening sovereign capabilities.
Enhancing innovation
The two leaders also discussed how the UK could further support innovation within NATO.
The PM highlighted how the new national space strategy, released last week and which includes substantial contributions from UKRI, would further enhance the UK’s innovation and resilience in the space domain.
Supporting UK’s ambitions
Dr Sarah Beardsley, Director of RAL Space and who led the tour of the testing hall and research work spaces said that:
It was a pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General to RAL Space and to demonstrate how, as the UK’s National Space Laboratory, we are ready to deliver on the UK’s ambitions under the new National Space Strategy. Our end‑to‑end expertise, advanced facilities, and leadership in technology development, combined with our heritage and partnerships across the sector, ensure we continue to strengthen the UK’s capabilities, economy, and security.
Further information
UKRI is a major partner in the new UK Space and Defence Gateway, which is a dedicated hub for the space and defence sectors, driving national and global collaboration between government, academia, innovators and industry.
Top image: Prime Minister Andy Burnham and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visit UKRI STFC’s RAL Space facility.