Expertise informs Parliamentary report on area

‘Act now or lose out’

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has printed ‘The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out’.

The report warns that the UK dangers dropping floor in an more and more aggressive surroundings except it acts shortly to ship a coherent nationwide technique.

It highlights a necessity for clear long-term course, funding in multi-use applied sciences, stronger cross-government coordination, and a nationwide give attention to abilities and sustainability.

Expert proof

The report was knowledgeable by a inquiry, to which three Durham researchers contributed.

Dr Bleddyn Bowen, from our School of Government and International Affairs, gave oral proof, and Dr Nikita Chiu, from our Business School, and Professor Michael Bohlander, from our Law School, submitted written proof.

Dr Bowen and Dr Chiu, from our Space Research Centre, centered on know-how governance, worldwide collaboration, and accountable innovation within the area sector. Their proof formed discussions on world partnerships, hyperlinks between civil and defence area exercise, and the necessity for coordinated, multi-disciplinary management.

Prof Bohlander’s proof associated to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), highlighting the necessity for higher authorities assist relating to analysis into these points and clear authorized frameworks for addressing potential contact occasions..

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Image exhibits Dr Bleddyn Bowen, proper, addressing the inquiry. Also pictured is James Black, deputy director of the Defence and Security analysis group at RAND Europe.