Durham-UK

Home > Business > Page 2

Business

by

New £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry

Two people looking at a starry sky

Durham University has launched a new £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry and lead on the sustainable exploration of the cosmos.

The Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC) draws upon our considerable and world-renowned expertise in space technology and research.

SPARC aims to be at the forefront of scientific advancement, business development, space law and the sustainable exploration of space.

The centre includes researchers from the University’s departments of Physics, Law, Government and International Affairs, Computer Science and Durham University Business School.

Dr Andrew Aldrin, gave the keynote speech ahead of the centre’s opening.

The son of legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Andrew is Associate Professor and Chair of the Master of Sciences Space Systems, and the Master of Space Operations programmes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA, as well as a leader in the field of space innovation and operations.

Influencing change in space sustainability

SPARC’s goals include providing high-quality training and education to develop a skills pipeline of enthusiastic, creative and highly sought after workers for the regional and national space industry. 

It also plans to engage with industry and policymakers, to influence change in governance and space sustainability.

ESA Lab status

The launch event also saw the announcement that we’ve become a European Space Agency (ESA) Laboratory.

Being part of the ESA Lab network gives Durham access to ESA’s technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and funding opportunities.

It also means further international collaboration, joint research initiatives, and technology transfer opportunities, alongside specialised training and student exchange programmes.

In addition, ESA Lab status provides more opportunity for other academic institutions and industry to collaborate with Durham and access the University’s expertise and facilities in instrumentation, such as telescopes.

Durham’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, based at NETPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, already builds components for some of the world’s biggest telescope and satellite projects, which are helping to further our understanding of space. 

Commercial partners and government agencies who have worked with the University include the UK Space Agency, ESA and NASA.

Space is a rapidly growing sector which supports our improving quality of life and protecting our planet. Now is the time to develop technology and ideas for a sustainable future in space and the establishment of SPARC and our ESA Lab status will support us in achieving this.

Professor James Osborn
Director, Durham University Space Research Centre
A group of people standing in front of a banner which says space research. They are smiling at the camera.
  • (L-R) Dr Andrew Aldrin, Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University; Dr Carly Beckerman, Co-Director of the Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC); and Professor James Osborn, Director of the Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC), at the SPARC launch.
Dr Andrew Aldrin stands in front of a display screen and delivers a talk to a room full of people.

Dr Andrew Aldrin gives a keynote speech ahead of the opening of the new Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC).

A group of people stand in front of a banner saying space research and smile at the camera.

Alison Clark, Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism, at Durham County Council; Dr Carly Beckerman, Co-Director of the Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC); Professor James Osborn, Director of the Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC); and Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, at the SPARC launch.

Publicly accessible research

The event also served as the launch of Light Years – Durham University’s art and space science project, which sits within the regional Into The Light partnership, led by Durham County Council.

Light Years offers another way for us to bring our space research and expertise to the public in an accessible way.

by

Office for National Statistics partnership boosts data careers and research

A group of people outside of the ONS Mou building

We are partnering with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to support aspiring data professionals. This collaboration aims to enhance career opportunities for students, paving the way for more and higher-quality job prospects for graduates.

Over the next three years, staff from the ONS, the UK’s national statistical institute which has a base in Darlington, near Durham, will deliver lectures and training for master’s students in Data Science and Business Analytics.

PhD students will also work alongside ONS experts on priority research projects. The partnership includes recruitment events, providing students with pathways to internships, and graduate jobs at the ONS. 

ONS staff will also benefit from this collaboration by accessing our Business School’s MBA courses and bespoke training programmes, enabling them to enhance their skills and qualifications. 

In a world that’s being driven by data it’s more important than ever that we not only inspire the next generation of data scientists and analysts, but that we’re giving them the best training and experiences possible. I’m delighted that the ONS and Durham University have come together to make this happen in what will be a hugely beneficial partnership for everyone involved.

Sir Ian Diamond
National Statistician

Driving collaborative research

The partnership will also strengthen research collaboration between the ONS and ourselves. Our academics will contribute their expertise to critical research projects in areas including economic statistics and methodology.  

A recent workshop we hosted brought together ONS and academic experts to identify key areas of focus for future research within economic statistics and methodology. 

Durham University produces research and graduates that transform the world. Our partnership with the ONS will further enable academic expertise to shape economic thinking and data methodology, while also providing exceptional opportunities for our students to build successful careers in data science and analytics.

Professor Karen O’Brien
Vice-Chancellor

Group photo 

Left to right: Professor Kieran Fernandes, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Development and Business Engagement, Durham University; Sir Ian Diamond, National Statistician; Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor, Durham University; Heather Bovill, ONS Head of Site for Darlington Economic Campus; Professor Martin Evans, Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Durham University.

by

Northern Accelerator recognised as Place-based Knowledge Exchange Initiative of the Year

People accepting the Northern Accelerator Award collection

Northern Accelerator has been awarded the prestigious Place-Based Knowledge Exchange (KE) Initiative of the Year at the PraxisAuril Knowledge Exchange Awards 2024.

Having transformed research commercialisation across the North East and now grown to a collaboration of six universities, Northern Accelerator received the sector award at a ceremony in Bristol on 21 November.  

The recognition celebrates Northern Accelerator’s impactful work in driving economic growth, innovation, and social value through a strong partnership of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland, Teesside and York Universities.

Translating world-leading research into sustainable business

Northern Accelerator helps founding academics create R&D intensive, high potential spinouts in the North East and North Yorkshire, realising social and environmental impact from research, and helping create more and better jobs. By supporting technology transfer through a combination of training, funding, networking and executive leadership, the programme has significantly boosted the rate of commercialisation of academic research.

The shared vision of the partners, the founders and funders is that the programme will contribute to economic growth in the North East. To date we’ve launched over 50 businesses, with many now based in regional innovation hubs like Newcastle Helix and Durham’s NETPark.

Northern Accelerator is funded by Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund, and by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Durham County Council and The North East Combined Authority

Recognition from the knowledge exchange sector

Knowledge Exchange UK (formerly PraxisAuril) is a world-leading professional association for Knowledge Exchange practitioners. They support and enable professional knowledge exchange and commercialisation between universities and business, helping members stand out as the most effective practitioners in their field, anywhere in the world.

Place-based collaboration

The award underscores the growing recognition of the North East as a hub for innovation, research and development. By focusing on place-based knowledge exchange, Northern Accelerator has worked to ensure that the benefits of research commercialisation are felt within the region, contributing to job creation, investment, and regional regeneration.

by

Two energy projects to receive £16.8m investment

Exterior of a NETPark building

Two green energy projects we’re involved in have secured a combined total of £16.8m in new financial support.

The North East Technology Park (NETPark) at Sedgefield, County Durham, and the Energy Central Campus at Blyth, Northumberland, will each receive a share of £16.8m North East Investment Zone (NEIZ) funds from the North East Combined Authority (NECA).

It is hoped the investment will further support the development of electric vehicles, battery technology and offshore renewable energy technology in North East England, creating thousands of new jobs.

More about NETPark

NETPark is one of the UK’s premier science and technology parks, with 40 companies employing 700 people. We have been central to its development, and it’s home to Orbit, our enterprise zone. 

The NEIZ investment of £11.3m will support NETPark’s £100m Phase 3 development.

More about Energy Central Campus

Energy Central Campus (ECC) is focused on developing the skills and talent to make Blyth a centre of excellence for the renewable energy sector.

The NEIZ investment of £5.5m will go towards the Energy Central Institute, an education and innovation facility within the ECC. We are a key partner in the ECI, and recently joined ECC board.

The North East is a manufacturing powerhouse, with a proud heritage, and our investments are unlocking jobs and training for local people in the industries of the future. 

Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor

by

Access and Participation: our ambitious plan for a more inclusive Durham 

Students outside of Durham University

We’re introducing an ambitious new plan to improve equality of opportunity in higher education and make Durham more diverse and inclusive than ever before. 

Our new Access and Participation Plan (APP) has been approved by the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England, and will come into effect from September.  

It builds on our ongoing drive to give everyone fair opportunity to reach university and thrive in their studies. 

We’ve already made great strides in this area, with one in five of our new undergraduate students joining us through a scheme aimed at widening access to education. 

This new APP represents a step change in how we’re identifying and encouraging students from underrepresented groups to study with us. 

We have identified specific groups of students who face extra challenges in accessing and participating in higher education, and we’ve developed targeted support to help them progress.  

There are tailored plans to support mature students, and those with mental health difficulties, and we’re also working hard to make sure everyone feels part of a diverse university community.  

Supporting the student journey  

Our Space to Explore Potential (STEP) programme helps Black-heritage students to explore their own potential, and all that Durham has to offer.  

Our 17 colleges each foster unique communities that play a vital role in supporting students throughout their time with us. 

Beyond their studies, our students can also engage in over 1,000 student-led clubs and societies, enriching their university experience with a diverse range of opportunities.   

Meanwhile, initiatives such as our annual Celebrate Science festival and museums and outreach work have engaged with thousands of pupils over the years.   

We support our students with mental health services, transition programmes, and financial aid – and when it’s time to plan for the future, we provide career advice, work experience and mentoring to help our students take their next steps with confidence.  

Setting goals   

Of course there is still work to be done, and our APP sets out seven key objectives to ensure we’re creating an even more diverse student community. 

We are committed to increasing access, improving ethnic diversity, reducing attainment gaps, enhancing continuation rates, supporting mature students, achieving mental health equity and promoting inclusivity.  

We want to raise the proportion of Black heritage and Asian heritage students studying at Durham and we’re working hard to increase the proportion of economically disadvantaged students studying with us. 

Reducing the attainment gap for students reporting mental health disabilities is also an important element of our work. 

Our progress in these and other areas will be continually evaluated to ensure we’re on track to achieve our goals.  

Removing financial barriers  

Financial support is a key part of our plan, and we’ve improved our grant system to help families who might not qualify for the highest level of financial aid but still feel the squeeze.  

Extra funds are being made available for students facing sudden money problems and for those who struggle to afford to fully take part in University activities.   

Our Durham Grant Scheme is one of the most generous grant schemes in the sector and we’re now able to support even more students by broadening the eligibility criteria.     

A range of targeted scholarships and funding options are also available to support underrepresented groups.  

This includes the upcoming launch of a new scholarship funded by our current Chancellor, Fiona Hill, for students from North East England.  

Working with our students  

Our students themselves will be an important part of making these plans work.    

We’re encouraging students to get involved by joining advisory boards, becoming outreach ambassadors, or representing their peers on important committees.   

By closely collaborating with our students, we can ensure that the changes we make are relevant and effective.   

University student

Everyone deserves fair opportunity to reach their full potential. Our new Access and Participation Plan will make Durham more diverse and more inclusive than ever before. If you’re considering your study and career options, think: Durham.

Professor Karen O’Brien
Vice-Chancellor, Durham University
University student

Durham University’s new Access and Participation Plan marks a significant step forward in ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to benefit from and thrive in higher education. A diverse student body enriches learning, fosters innovation, and strengthens our communities. Importantly, we must also ensure young people from the North East are able to follow their goals of studying at Durham – finances should not be a barrier to them fulfilling their higher education dreams. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have for students from our city and region

Mary Kelly Foy
MP for City of Durham

by

Major milestone as first tenant signs up for £100million science park expansion

NETPARK phase 3 CGI image

A leading tech firm which supplies components and subsystems to space, aerospace, defence and telecoms is the first tenant to sign up for a new unit in a growing County Durham science park.

Filtronic will move into custom-built headquarters within the £100million Phase 3 extension to the North East Technology Park (NETPark) at Sedgefield in 2025.

An existing tenant of the park, the award-winning manufacturer’s new facility will more than double its operational footprint.

The move will further strengthen the firm’s capabilities and increase capacity, while enhancing its cleanroom facilities, engineering laboratories and testing facilities.

It comes at a time when the firm’s growth has been boosted by deals struck with Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, for the supply of critical RF subsystems for low Earth orbit satellites.

Left to right: Michael Tyerman, chief financial officer at Filtronic, is pictured in front of the company’s new unit at NETPark with North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, NETPark project director, Janet Todd and Leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Amanda Hopgood.Michael Tyerman, chief financial officer at Filtronic, said: “We opted to stay at NETPark due to its modern infrastructure, the presence of innovative and like-minded companies, and the flexibility it provides for scaling our operations.

“The new facility expands our manufacturing and office space as well as upgrading test facilities. It will support the continued development of our leading-edge products and enable us to scale capacity to meet growing customer demand.

“This commitment to innovation was recognised earlier this year when we were honoured with the King’s Award for Innovation, making us one of the few businesses in the UK to hold both the King’s and the Queen’s Award simultaneously.

“It was also a core reason why SpaceX entered into a strategic partnership with us in April of this year, which includes the ongoing supply of E-band solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), alongside collaborative efforts in developing and delivering comparable products across multiple frequency bands core to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.”

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, added: “Filtronic is one of a number of world-class companies we have at NETPark, and its success story really encapsulates what NETPark is all about.

“It came to NETPark as part of a company expansion in 2014, starting in a small incubator space and going from strength to strength ever since. Here we are 10 years on, with the company having had a spectacular five months during which it has secured £30million of orders from Elon Musk’s SpaceX for RF subsystems for its Starlink platform as part of an ongoing strategic partnership.

“To think there will be critical products travelling through space that were made in County Durham is pretty mind-blowing really and it’s something we should be incredibly proud of.”

20 years of NETPark!

The announcement was made as NETPark, which is owned by Durham County Council and managed by Business Durham, celebrated its 20th anniversary today (5 September).

The occasion was marked with an event held in one of the Phase 3 extensions new units.

Representatives of NETPark businesses, Durham County Council, and the North East Combined Authority were among those in attendance.

Born from a clear strategic vision and developed and delivered in partnership, NETPark has established itself as one of the UK’s leading science, engineering and technology parks.

It is currently home to more than 40 pioneering companies employing more than 700 people.

NETPark based companies are developing cutting-edge products that help people live healthier lives, keep people safe, generate sustainable energy and more.

Cllr Hopgood said: “Twenty years ago, when the council took the bold decision to allocate land to establish a science park in County Durham, the vision was for NETPark to become a global hub for engineering, science and technology-based companies.

“It’s certainly achieved that, and the county is reaping the benefits now as NETPark’s success has brought hundreds of higher-skilled, high-value jobs. The 20th anniversary has given us an opportunity to celebrate that success and thank all of the partners and businesses that have made it possible.

It’s a success based on harnessing the skills and knowledge base of our advanced manufacturing heritage and bringing them together with the research capabilities of a world-class university. The combination of those things makes for a unique and world-class offer.

“We’re now investing £100million to expand NETPark and this will take things to a new level, bringing another wave of high-value jobs. The new units are attracting major interest, while enabling us to retain growing companies like Filtronic in County Durham so they can realise their ambitions here and not somewhere else.

“All in all, we expect the expansion will unlock over 285,000 sq ft of new lab and scale-up production space and create up to 1,250 high-value jobs on site along with a further 2,200 jobs in wider supply chains.”

Earlier this year, NETPark was confirmed as a Growth Site in the North East Investment Zone as part of the £4.2billion devolution deal.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said: “NETPark has become a driving force for attracting national and international businesses in Durham and the North East, demonstrating our reputation as a fantastic place to live, work and do business.

“As Mayor, I will back NETPark, and the whole of County Durham, so we create more jobs, attract businesses and investment and create real opportunity for local people. As a Combined Authority we are investing in NETPark through our Investment Zone, creating over 1,200 high skill, high-paid jobs, building amazing new lab and production spaces for businesses to grow; and adding over £600million to the North East’s economy.

“We have spades in the ground, with infrastructure and enabling works already underway. From semi-conductors to the next generation in space technology, we can create a very bright future for NETPark, County Durham and our great North East.”

For more information about opportunities at NETPark visit www.northeasttechnologypark.com.

Pic caption: Michael Tyerman, chief financial officer at Filtronic, is pictured in front of the company’s new unit at NETPark with (left to right) North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, NETPark project director, Janet Todd and Leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Amanda Hopgood.