The UK Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met for the first time face-to-face at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Space Lab, specifically at the Science and Technology Facility Council (STFC)’s RAL Space facility.
The visit, hosted by Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director of Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus at STFC, showcased UKRI's contributions to defence and how innovation ecosystems support national priorities. Discussions included the recent launch of the UK Space and Defence Gateway at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, focusing on how the space sector can bolster the UK’s national security and economic growth.
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman stated that the work done to advance knowledge, improve lives, and drive growth is central to the Industrial Strategy pillar around defence and national security. The Prime Minister also highlighted the new national space strategy, which includes UKRI contributions, as a means to enhance the UK’s innovation and resilience in the space domain.
Dr Sarah Beardsley, Director of RAL Space, noted the facility's readiness to deliver on the UK’s ambitions under the new National Space Strategy, citing its expertise, facilities, and partnerships as key to strengthening the UK’s capabilities, economy, and security.