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Agenda Revealed for North East Space Conference 2026

People sat in a conference room

The full agenda for the North East Space Conference 2026 has now been released.

Taking place on 9 June 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, the conference will bring together businesses, researchers and organisations to explore opportunities within the growing space sector.

Delivered by Space North East England, the regional space cluster managed by Business Durham, the event will focus on collaboration, innovation and sector growth across the North East.

Key themes include:

• Pivoting into space from adjacent sectors

• Strengthening the regional supply chain

• Skills and careers for the future workforce

• Collaboration between industry, academia and partners

• Commercial growth and investment opportunities

The programme features panel discussions, practical sessions and networking opportunities designed to support business growth and sector development.
View the full schedule and book your place here: North East Space Conference 2026 | Space North East Eng

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Magnitude Biosciences: How a Durham spinout is driving health innovation and regional growth

Magnitude Biosciences: How a Durham spinout is driving health innovation and regional growth (Image : Russell Group)

When Durham University researchers Dr David Weinkove and physicist Dr Christopher Saunter launched Magnitude Biosciences in 2018, they did so with a clear ambition: to transform how the UK accelerates drug discovery.

Just a few years later, their company is proof of the benefits that research-intensive universities can help innovators deliver — not only for science, but for public health, the NHS and regional economies.

Magnitude Biosciences is a specialist contract research organisation based at NETPark in County Durham, where its team uses tiny Caenorhabditis elegans worms – organisms with neurons, skin, gut, muscles and other tissues similar in genetics to those in humans – to rapidly test the effects of different compounds on ageing, neurodegeneration and overall health. NETPark is a Durham County Council site, managed by the local authority’s business support service, Business Durham.

 

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Durham University secures best-ever 22 subjects in world top 100 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

A group of students outside of the University

Durham University has achieved a best-ever 22 subjects in the world top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

Durham’s previous best result, achieved last year, was 21 subjects in the elite world top 100. This year’s record return includes three subjects in the world top 10, and 10 in the world top 50.

Four ‘broad subject’ areas and 17 ‘narrow subjects’ have improved their QS rankings from last year, demonstrating Durham’s excellence across a wide range of subjects.

Durham’s highest ranked subject is Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies, where it is ranked fourth globally. Durham’s Department of Theology and Religion is one of the largest in the UK and brings together a vibrant international community of scholars and students.

Archaeology at Durham is ranked fifth in the world, reflecting the University’s internationally recognised research in areas including world prehistory, early complex societies, Roman and Classical archaeology, South Asia and Eurasia, and historical and contemporary archaeology. Durham’s recent archaeology research includes major discoveries, from the Iron Age ‘Melsonby Hoard’ to a newly uncovered Roman-era industrial hub near Sunderland.

In Geography, Durham has moved up five places to sixth in the world, highlighting its world-leading community of geographers conducting innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference both globally and locally.

Law at Durham has entered the world top 50, ranking joint 49th.

The following subjects at Durham are placed in the global top 50: Anthropology (joint 25th), English Language and Literature (26th), Classics and Ancient History (joint 29th), Philosophy (joint 39th), Modern Languages (joint 40th), History (44th), and Law (joint 49th).

At the broader subject level, Durham continues to perform particularly strongly in the arts and humanities. In the 2026 rankings, Durham is placed joint 31st globally, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s leading institutions in this area. The University is also ranked joint 78th globally for Social Sciences and Management, reflecting the strength of programmes in law, education, politics, and related disciplines.

In science, Psychology moved up to 70th and Physics and Astronomy to joint 67th. Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems, Engineering and Technology also enhanced their rankings, and the broad subject area of Natural Sciences entered the world top 100.

Durham is consistently ranked as one of the world’s leading universities. It is The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide University of the Year 2026. It is ranked 94th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, and fifth in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and Complete University Guide 2026. Durham University Business School is among an elite group of business schools worldwide to be accredited by AACSB, AMBA and EFMD/EQUIS.

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “Durham is a world-leading university. The outstanding nature of our teaching and research is reflected in our global rankings success.

“It is particularly pleasing to see a high volume and broad range of subjects again placed so highly in these most prestigious rankings.

“We have been a world top 100 university every year since 2010. We are The Times and The Sunday Times UK University of the Year 2026.”

The QS World University Rankings by Subject are among the most prestigious global rankings, assessing universities using indicators including academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, and international research collaboration.

The 2026 rankings analysed more than 6,200 institutions worldwide, with 1,900 universities ranked across 55 subjects, producing over 21,000 individual ranking entries.

Full rankings are published here.

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US space leaders to touch down in Durham

Four people stood in front of flags

A senior delegation from Space Florida is making a flying visit to the North East for a tour of some of the region’s most exciting space, engineering and advanced‑manufacturing projects.

The whistle-stop visit, with the US delegation arriving this Sunday, follows last year’s successful Space North East England (SNEE) conference, which Space Florida attended, and a visit to Florida last month by North East delegates.

Those involved in this year’s SNEE conference in Durham in June are hoping the visit from the Americans will turbocharge relationships developed over the last year.

Lisa Mullen, Interim Cluster Director of Space North East England, said: “Space Florida is well aware of the UK’s growing capabilities in the space sector and made a point of visiting several areas across the country involved in this sector last year.

“However, the North East is the only place they have planned a specific, follow-up visit to this year, because they’re excited about the possible collaborations and link-ups that can be made.

“They will spend all Monday reviewing projects across the region, and we’re looking forward to showing them projects we think they’ll be especially interested in.”

Space Florida’s delegation next week will be led by Matt Chesnut, its vice president of business development, who has previously emphasised his commitment to strengthening transatlantic links with the UK.

As well as Matt, the small Space Florida leadership group will also include Zach Bettis, Space Sector business development manager, Jimmy Moffat, vice president of Spaceport Operations and Rufus Brabble, the Consul General to Miami.

Lisa says SNEE’s job next week will be to showcase the region’s growing capabilities in satellite technology, instrumentation, and high‑value manufacturing.

The tour will begin at 3S Northumbria – a start-up led by Ralph ‘Dinz’  Dinsley, the charismatic creator of a company creating ways to tackle the growing problem of space debris in the atmosphere, posing a risk to satellites.

From there, the delegation will head to Northumbria University to meet the team behind the new £50m North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) — the university’s cutting‑edge space engineering and satellite‑testing facilities currently under development.

The group will get an update on the building’s construction and hear how the site will boost research, skills and industry collaboration once complete.

The afternoon will be spent at NETPark in Sedgefield, the region’s flagship science and technology park. 

Space Florida representatives will join a working lunch with companies from the Space North East England cluster, who will showcase their expertise and current projects. 

The session will also include an overview of Durham University’s SPARC (Space Research Centre), which leads research into astrophysics, instrumentation and space‑science applications.

The delegation will then tour Durham’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI), home to world‑class facilities that develop optics and precision instruments for astronomy and space missions.

And the visit concludes at Filtronic’s new NETPark facility, where the US team will see one of the region’s strongest space‑manufacturing success stories. Filtronic specialises in advanced RF, microwave and mmWave technologies used in satellite communications and high‑performance aerospace systems.

Lisa Mullen said the visit was a major opportunity to showcase the region’s capabilities on a global stage.“Space Florida is one of the most influential organisations in the US commercial space sector, so hosting them here is a fantastic endorsement of what our region is achieving,” she said. “We want them to see the ambition, the skills and the collaborative spirit that make the North East such a strong partner for future space‑sector growth.”

Further discussions between the organisations are expected following the visit.

* This year’s North East Space Conference is due to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham on Tuesday, June 9th, from 9 am to 3 pm. Entry is free. For more information, visit the Space North East England page here.

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International cricket in Durham set to bowl visitors over

People watching a game of cricket at Chester-le-Street

High-profile international matches will bring world-class cricket, and visitors, to Durham during 2026, showcasing elite talent and offering local fans a chance to watch England play close to home.

Banks Homes Riverside, home of Durham Cricket, prepares to welcome three major England international matches in 2026.

The international season kicks off on Sunday, 10 May with England Women taking on New Zealand Women in a One Day International. This fixture launches both the international season and the New Zealand series, providing a perfect opportunity for supporters to see the England Women’s side in action ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.

The venue will then host two men’s internationals. The first set to take place on Wednesday, 1 July, as England Men face India Men in a Vitality IT20. The programme concludes on Tuesday, 22 September, with England Men versus Sri Lanka Men in a Metro Bank ODI.

Durham has a long-standing history with cricket, and hosting matches such as those taking place this summer helps to boost the economy and showcase the county on the world stage. Not only will fans travel to games and spend money in the visitor economy, but with billions watching worldwide, it is an incredible promotional platform.

David Jackson, Director of Marketing at Durham Cricket, said: “We are looking forward to hosting three England internationals this year. The schedule creates a perfect cricketing summer, allowing fans to experience top-level action right here in County Durham from May right through to September. With the Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, seeing England Women start their build-up against New Zealand is particularly special. We look forward to welcoming supporters from across the region and beyond to create unforgettable atmospheres.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham added: “Hosting these prestigious England internationals is fantastic news for Durham and the wider North East. As well as delivering a significant boost to the local economy through increased visitor numbers, hotel stays, dining and transport, they highlight our county as a premier destination for major sporting occasions, showcase our world-class facilities, and

encourage more people to discover the amazing attractions, heritage and hospitality Durham has to offer.”

Tickets for these matches are available through official channels. For more information, visit the Durham Cricket website or contact the box office at 0191 387 1717. Email: box.office@durhamcricket.co.uk.

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To Florida, Nasa and beyond! Durham flies flag for the region’s space sector as part of North East delegation

A group of people standing outside of NASA space station

Experts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and scientists from the North East have travelled to the United States to seek interest and investment in the region’s booming space sector.

The Space North East England delegation touched down in Orlando for Florida Commercial Space Week, kicking off a packed programme of conferences, meetings and site visits across the Space Coast.

The delegation included representatives from UK space companies and the North East’s universities, all travelling with a shared ambition to build international partnerships, showcase capability and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Those taking part included Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria universities as well as North East companies MSP and NEL Technologies.

Lisa Mullen, Interim Cluster Manager of Space North East England who coordinated and led the trip, said: “Our mission brought the North East England’s leading innovators into the heart of Florida’s booming space ecosystem during Commercial Space Week to SpaceCom 2026.

“It helped us forge new collaborations and opened market opportunities, as well as reinforcing transatlantic links across the commercial space sector.”

Over the course of the five-day visit, which concluded at the weekend, the North East team met global space leaders, showcased North East and UK capability and built relationships that will support future growth and investment.

The first day was spent at the University of Central Florida, with the delegate programme focusing on industry, academia, and the broader space ecosystem.

The next day, the delegation headed to Florida’s Space Coast for meetings and site visits with some of the world’s most influential space organisations, including Space Florida.

The third day included a tour of the NASA Kennedy Space Centre to gain firsthand insight into the scale of their space launch operations and to learn what it takes to put a rocket in orbit for deep-space travel.

The highlight was seeing the SLS rocket on the launchpad during the final preparations before launch as part of the Artemis II mission, which will see crew on a lunar flyby to test the Orion spacecraft’s navigation, life support, and other systems in deep space, ahead of future landing missions.

Suitably inspired, the final two days were spent attending Commercial Space Week, SpaceCom 2026 in Orlando to pitch their products and services to potential investors and partners.

Lisa said: “It was a fantastic visit for the delegation and we hope we’ve done the North East proud and that the relationships we’ve built and the contacts we’ve made will benefit the region’s space sector, which has continued to go from strength to strength in recent years.

“There’s no substitute for being in the room where things are happening, and it was great for us to be there representing the region, showing the skills and expertise we can contribute to investors in this field.”

The visit was arranged by the Government’s Department for Business and Trade and hosted by the British Consulate General in Miami.

A delegation from Space Florida is expected to visit the North East next month to further strengthen international ties and develop existing links.  Space North East England is looking to bring everything together when it holds its annual North East Space Conference for regional, national and international delegates this June.