Select Committee · Science and Technology Committee (Commons)
UK Astronomy
Status: Closed
Opened: 12 Sep 2023
Closed: 28 May 2024
Inquiry scope
Astronomy matters because it seeks to answer fundamental questions about the origins and evolution of the universe. It pushes the boundaries of human understanding and of the technology that is necessary to detect and make sense of it. It has the ability to encourage interest in STEM career fields, where skills shortages threaten productivity now and into the future. It provides the opportunity to develop a range of advanced technologies that can be used across fields from high-energy neutron optics to nuclear magnetic resonance. The Committee has launched an inquiry into how well placed the UK astronomy sector is to showcase the UK as a science superpower and maximise its leadership in international programmes. It will examine the status of the UK’s astronomical research base and assets, UK access to international astronomical facilities and contribution to international programmes. It will explore astronomy’s potential contribution to the UK economy and what considerations should inform the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s next Strategic Delivery Plan, due in 2026.Oral evidence sessions
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| Date | Session and witnesses | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 8 May 2024 |
UK Astronomy
Dr Jessica Dempsey · ASTRON (the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy),
Mr Gabriele Cremonese · Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF) and Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova (OAPD),
Professor Dr Michael Kramer · Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy,
Professor Nicolas Thomas · Space Research & Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, Universität Bern
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| 17 Apr 2024 |
UK Astronomy
Chas Bishop · National Space Centre,
Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock · University of Leicester and astronomy educator,
David Arditti · British Astronomical Association,
Professor Chris Lintott · University of Oxford
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| 13 Mar 2024 |
Oral evidence session
Adam Woodcraft · QMC Instruments,
Dr Geraint Morgan · The Open University,
Ian Jones · Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd,
Justin Byrne · Airbus Defence and Space,
Professor Gillian Wright CBE · UK Astronomy Technology Centre,
Professor Manesh Anand · Open University
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| 10 Jan 2024 |
UK Astronomy
Professor Anna Scaife · University of Manchester,
Professor Catherine Heymans · University of Edinburgh,
Professor Martin Barstow · University of Leicester,
Professor Mike Edmunds · Royal Astronomical Society,
Professor Steve Eales · Cardiff University,
The Lord Rees of Ludlow OM · University of Cambridge
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Who gave evidence
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| Witness | Organisation | Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Woodcraft · Research and Operations | QMC Instruments | 1 |
| Chas Bishop · CEO | National Space Centre | 1 |
| Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock · Chancellor | University of Leicester and astronomy educator | 1 |
| David Arditti · President | British Astronomical Association | 1 |
| Dr Geraint Morgan · Academic | The Open University | 1 |
| Dr Jessica Dempsey · Director | ASTRON (the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy) | 1 |
| Ian Jones · Chief Executive Officer | Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd | 1 |
| Justin Byrne · Head of Earth Observation and Science | Airbus Defence and Space | 1 |
| Mr Gabriele Cremonese · Senior Technologist | Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF) and Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova (OAPD) | 1 |
| Professor Anna Scaife · Professor of Radio Astronomy and Head of Jordrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics Interferometry Centre of Excellence | University of Manchester | 1 |
| Professor Catherine Heymans · Astronomer Royal for Scotland and Professor of Astrophysics | University of Edinburgh | 1 |
| Professor Chris Lintott · Professor of Astrophysics and Citizen Science Lead | University of Oxford | 1 |
| Professor Dr Michael Kramer · Director and Scientific member | Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy | 1 |
| Professor Gillian Wright CBE · Director | UK Astronomy Technology Centre | 1 |
| Professor Manesh Anand · Professor of Planetary Science and Exploration and Deputy Head, School of Physical Sciences | Open University | 1 |
| Professor Martin Barstow · Professor of Astrophysics and Space Science and Director of Strategic Partnerships Space Park Leicester | University of Leicester | 1 |
| Professor Mike Edmunds · President | Royal Astronomical Society | 1 |
| Professor Nicolas Thomas · Professor | Space Research & Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, Universität Bern | 1 |
| Professor Steve Eales · Head of Astronomy Group and Co-Director, Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology | Cardiff University | 1 |
| The Lord Rees of Ludlow OM · Astronomer Royal and Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics | University of Cambridge | 1 |
Correspondence
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| Published | Direction | Letter |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Mar 2024 | — | Correspondence from the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation in relation to the Space Industrial Plan, dated 6 March 2024 |