Looking at skills across the space sector – what is needed, what is being provided, identifying shortages and developing proposals for addressing those shortages.  Strengthening our understanding of what attracts graduates towards/ drives them away from choosing to work in the space sector. What is the role of government in this context? 

Background

DSIT sits within a wider ecosystem of institutions with an interest in space research.
A non-exhaustive list includes UKSA, DEFRA, DfT, DSTL, HMRC, MoD, Met Office, Satellite Applications Catapult, Ordnance Survey, NHS, Rail Safety and Standards Board and UKRI. The Space Academics Network, the Space Partnership and the Space Clusters also work to support, promote and coordinate research in space. Within this ecosystem DSIT’s focus is on the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the ambitions set out in the National Space Strategy.
We are considering whether, and if so how, to convene a College of Experts on space, and would welcome views on the matter.

Next steps

If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Science, Innovation, and Research Directorate, and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs

Link to ARIs : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024

Related UKRI funded projects

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    Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

    Lead research organisation: SPACE SKILLS LTD

    Why might this be relevant?

    The ASTRAIOS project aims to analyze skills, training, and research opportunities in the space sector, identifying shortages and proposing solutions, aligning with the question's focus.

  • Analysis of Skills, Training, Research, And Innovation Opportunities in Space

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    Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

    Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE

    Why might this be relevant?

    Similar to the ASTRAIOS project, it provides an exhaustive view of space curricula, aligning with the question's objectives.

  • "I'm a Space Person" Careers Postcards

    Enable young people from low science capital backgrounds to be able to personally relate to careers in space science and activity, enhancing aspirations Challenge misconceptions about space careers amongst these young pe...

    Funded by: STFC

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    Partially addresses the question by focusing on promoting dialogue and challenging misconceptions about space careers among young people.

  • Inspiring Careers in the Space Industry for Wales

    By providing weekly space related workshops that focus on careers in the space sector in Wales and to promote the work UKRI/STFC provide this project will aim to: * Introduce more space related STEAM activities in regi...

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  • Satellite Architect - Save the day with space tech!

    To exemplify how data from satellites can provide valuable insight into challenges here on Earth, increasing the scientific awareness of key stage three students, teachers, and their families. Through providing an opport...

    Funded by: STFC

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  • Life through a Lens: Promoting STEM careers in Northern Ireland

    W5, Northern Ireland's award winning science and discovery centre, is passionate about engaging young people and the public with science, technology, engineering and maths in all their guises. Our mission is to: fire the...

    Funded by: STFC

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  • The Space Around Us

    Project aims: - To engage children with low science capital and help them understand and get to grips with how scientists explore space through the use of big telescopes. - To encourage children to be interested in pur...

    Funded by: STFC

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  • Space Research Centre PIPSS Fellowship

    The University of Leicester has a long history in space research and has the distinguished record of always having one, or more, of its instruments in space over the last 40 years. The University's Space Research Centre ...

    Funded by: STFC

    Lead research organisation: University of Leicester

  • Newton STFC-NARIT: Using astronomy education as a motivator for long-term capacity building in STEM

    Astronomy is an area of science that interests and excites almost everyone - across all age, gender, social and cultural groups. However, this is in contrast to the science that it is part of, and the technology that dri...

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  • Space Research Centre IPSS Fellowship Extension

    STFC has supported an IPS Fellow at the Space Research Centre, University of Leicester since April 2009. The Fellow has been responsible for initiating a major cultural change towards the acceptance of Knowledge Exchange...

    Funded by: STFC

    Lead research organisation: University of Leicester

Similar ARIs from other organisations

Increase our global Impact How is spaceflight in the UK developing and what evidence exists to inform DfT’s role in the National Space Strategy? Department for Transport, 2023
See details
Increase our global Impact What is the space market outlook and where should DFT prioritise its efforts to enable the UK's role in the space industry? Department for Transport, 2023
See details