UCLan named UK office for UN space programme

By Tim Aldred

18 May 2023

UCLAN UN SPIDER Launch

A United Nations programme designed to promote peaceful cooperation as humans continue to explore outer space has selected the University of Central Lancashire as its UK base.

UCLan's researchers will be specifically working with the team behind the UN’s platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER).

UN-SPIDER was established in 2006 after recognising disaster risk management and emergency response communities, particularly in developing countries, are unable to access all space-based technologies to help address natural hazards.

This may be due to not recognising the usefulness of space-based information or not having the right capabilities or financial resources in-country to obtain or extract the necessary data.

The multi-national group aims to bridge the technology gap to ensure all countries can access all types of space-based Earth observations to both prevent and mitigate disasters. Some of the ways include advisory missions, technical training, and immediate emergencies and disasters’ support.

UCLan researchers will add their expertise to the work already being undertaken by the global research team, as well as highlighting and promoting the work of UN-SPIDER to UK organisations.

Dr Komali Kantamaneni, senior research fellow in coastal science and the environment at UCLan, has worked with the UN-SPIDER programme for several years. She said: “The UN-SPIDER team considers research strength when looking to set-up a support office in a Member State. UCLan is developing expertise in climate change and coastal erosion, and it is testament to the impactful work we are undertaking that we will be UK link for UN-SPIDER.”

Professor Robert Walsh, academic lead for UCLan’s activities in space, added: “Both nationally and internationally, this is a prestigious role for the institution to take up. Complementing the broad-based research we already undertake in the growing space sector, the university’s support for the UN-SPIDER office demonstrates a focus on tackling the real challenges that climate change is bringing to communities all around the world.”

The Regional Support Office at UCLan was officially launched by Lóránt Czárán, chief of the Vienna branch of the UN-SPIDER Programme, at an international workshop held at the university's Preston campus.

Acting Director of UNOOSA Niklas Hedman said: “Space assets are instrumental for disaster management and building resilience and we must ensure benefits of these technologies are made available to everyone. That requires international cooperation.

"The UN-SPIDER RSOs network is a prime example of the results we can achieve by joining forces. We are grateful to welcome UCLan to our RSO family and look forward to expanding access to space solutions together.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

Lancashire inspires next generation of cyber specialists with activities Cyber Education Week

Lancashire inspires next generation of cyber specialists with activities

07 Feb 2025

2

Harris Your Place project enters final fit-out phase Michael Conlon, Chairman of Conlon Construction handing over The Harris ceremonial key to Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council

Harris Your Place project enters final fit-out phase

07 Feb 2025

3

PM pledges nuclear power surge EDF Heysham

PM pledges nuclear power surge

07 Feb 2025

4

Rayner “hopeful” of an elected mayor by 2026 Angela Rayner

Rayner “hopeful” of an elected mayor by 2026

07 Feb 2025

5

University of Cumbria announces new international partnership

University of Cumbria announces new international partnership

06 Feb 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Awards
14 Jan 2025 - 18 Mar 2025

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

February Preston Tech Connection Meet-Up: Tech & Our Planet
PRESTON TECH CONNECTION jan.ai.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
12 Feb 2025 - 12 Feb 2025

February Preston Tech Connection Meet-Up: Tech & Our Planet

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Police Apprenticeship event
Student Centre Autumn 2022.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Social
12 Feb 2025 - 12 Jan 2025

Police Apprenticeship event

University of Central Lancashire, Foster Social Space , Preston , PR1 2HE

16:00 - 19:00

Amber River True Bearing Quarterly Investment Seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
13 Feb 2025

Amber River True Bearing Quarterly Investment Seminar

Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Rd, Clayton-le-Moors, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB5 5JP

16:00 - 18:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Feb 2025 - 13 Feb 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Sub36 Networking - Behind the beans
Sub36 Social1200atkinsons 1
Networking
14 Feb 2025

Sub36 Networking - Behind the beans

Atkinsons Speciality Coffee, Lancaster, LA1 1 EX

09:00 - 11:30

National Apprenticeship Week 2025 Celebration - Business Breakfast Showcase
Student Centre Autumn 2022.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
14 Feb 2025 - 14 Jan 2025

National Apprenticeship Week 2025 Celebration - Business Breakfast Showcase

Media Factory , Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 10:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Employment Law, Tax and Payroll Update - East Lancashire
PM and M event
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Employment Law, Tax and Payroll Update - East Lancashire

Accrington Stanley Football Club, Accrington, BB5 5BX

08:00 - 10:00

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work Course - In Person
RKMS ACADEMY LOGO - BLACK AND ORANGE.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work Course - In Person

RKMS Group , Blackpool, FY42DP

09:30 - 17:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February
Freelancer Meet-Up Feb.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV120 Online Graphic 1
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin