The University of Edinburgh is a specialist in space and communications.
Our researchers work in an extraordinary range of space-related activities: engineers are exploring the management of fire risk in space and developing rocket fuel pods; chemists are developing clean-burn rocket fuels; and astronomers are tracking the skies for space debris. We have teams developing deep-space probes, and others writing literature about space. Our geoscientists are training the next generation within SENSE, the UK's Centre for Doctoral Training in Earth Observation. Our students are even developing their own satellite missions.
Edinburgh aims to be the Space Data Capital of Europe, as a vibrant centre for world-class talent, data science and space and satellite entrepreneurship. We are known for our role driving the Scottish space sector through generating growth in Edinburgh as well as connecting the wider Scottish space community to propel the Scottish space sector ahead.
Advanced geoscience facilities
We are exceptionally well-equipped with the latest technologies to enable our researchers to stay at the forefront of their fields. The School houses an impressive range of advanced geoscience facilities and services and is involved with a number of collaborative centres of research excellence.
Astrobiology
The UK Centre for Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary research centre established in 2011 at the University of Edinburgh. Its scientific focus began with the study of life in extremes and investigating the conditions that give rise to habitable environments for life on the Earth and potentially beyond.
More recently, it has expanded this remit to understanding the conditions that give rise to habitable worlds and studying how life emerges, proliferates and leaves traces on such worlds.
Astronomy Technology
The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is a national centre of excellence for the development of scientific instrumentation and facilities for ground- and space-based astronomy.
Based at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, and operated by STFC it has a world-class reputation for delivering innovative and capable cameras, spectrometers and even turnkey telescope systems.
Higgs Centre for Innovation
The Higgs Centre for Innovation brings together world-class research in astronomy and particle physics and the instrumentation expertise that underpins it, with business incubation facilities and laboratories suitable for commercial use. The Science and Technology Facilities Council and the University have a long history of developing and commercialising revolutionary science and technology.
The Milo Institute
The Milo Institute: a legacy of discovery, the future of exploration. Arizona State University and Lockheed Martin have been at the forefront of space innovation since the dawn of the space age. The University of Edinburgh joined the MILO Institute in 2019 and we are proudly working together.
Space Innovation
The Bayes Centre is the coordinating Space Innovation Hub for DDI (Data-Driven Innovation) Space and Satellites activities; focussing on working with industry, governments, and NGOs to accelerate the translation of the University’s cutting-edge Space and Satellite research into social and economic impact.
The University of Edinburgh provides research-driven solutions to transform and future-proof organisations on their digital transformation journey. Key areas of expertise include:
Communications Systems: Networks, Next Generation Wireless and Optical Comms.
Machine Learning: Bayesian Inference, Deep Learning and Data Analytics.
Signal and Image Processing: Tomography and Computational Imaging.
The Space Bridges programme, funded by the UK Space Agency, offers short courses to upskill individuals for the space industry, targeting new school leavers, experienced professionals, career returnees, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Utilising the University of Edinburgh's expertise in space data, the courses are delivered online with in-person workshops and networking opportunities. These industry-co-created courses aim to enhance skills for those entering or advancing in the space sector. Additionally, finance sector professionals can learn to apply space data in their business. This initiative is a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and Fife College.
