Appointment of Dr Francesca Faedi as academic liaison for Commercial and Innovation at Space Park Leicester

Space Park Leicester is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Francesca Faedi as the new Academic Liaison for Commercial and Innovation.

This strategic role is designed to strengthen the relationship between academia, industry, and international institutions, as well as drive forward Space Park Leicester’s mission to be a global leader in innovation, science, and technology.

Dr Faedi brings a wealth of experience in both the academic and space sectors, positioning her as an exceptional choice to lead this role. She will play a pivotal part in establishing and enhancing partnerships that bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and commercial applications.

She said: “I am thrilled to contribute to Space Park Leicester ecosystem, bringing my background and interdisciplinary skills to foster research commercialisation and booster innovation in the Space Sector.”

In this role, Dr Faedi will also support Space Park Leicester’s industry engagement efforts, fostering collaboration with key space-sector leaders such as Rolls Royce, Airbus, and Earthsense, and identifying new opportunities for technological innovation across fields such as AI, sensor technologies, and power systems.

This week (Oct 14 -18) Dr Faedi is part of a team of leading experts from the University of Leicester’s space nuclear division who are showcasing cutting-edge advancements and discussing the future of nuclear power in space exploration at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) taking place in Milan.

Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s pioneering £100 million hub of space innovation and development, is known for its integration of academia and industry. With the addition of Dr Faedi, this unique ecosystem will be further enhanced, driving growth in research-led teaching and training opportunities and advancing its commercial objectives.

Dr Faedi’s key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and maintaining robust partnerships between the academic community and industry.
• Leading innovative projects that deliver measurable outcomes and align with Space Park Leicester’s strategic objectives.
• Facilitating the transfer of academic expertise to address industry-specific challenges, bolstering Space Park Leicester’s position as a key player in the UK space industry.

Dr Faedi will work closely with key stakeholders at Space Park Leicester, ensuring that these collaborations not only generate significant economic impact but also contribute to the UK’s growing reputation as a leader in the space sector.

Alongside Dr Faedi’s appointment, Space Park Leicester has also named Professor Nigel Bannister as its first Deputy Director, working with Professor Richard Ambrosi, the Executive Director of Space Park Leicester.

Previously serving as Director of Skills and Training Development at Space Park Leicester, Professor Bannister has spent over two decades with the University of Leicester’s School of Physics and Astronomy. His extensive background in education, training, and mission-critical science makes him the ideal candidate to help lead Space Park Leicester into its next phase of growth.

Professor Bannister said: “We’ve established ourselves as the UK’s second-largest campus-based cluster with a dedicated space focus, generating £89 million for the economy in our first 12 months alone.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Space Park Leicester, and a privilege to serve as Deputy Director.”

Professor Bannister has been instrumental in Space Park Leicester’s many successes, including his recent contributions to the European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, which launched earlier this year. His work on the mission’s J-MAG instrument has been critical to studying Jupiter’s magnetosphere and the potentially habitable icy moons.

Additionally, Professor Bannister played a key role in launching degree apprenticeships in space engineering and the creation of a 12-month CPD-UK accredited educational programme, which have expanded opportunities for young professionals and those transitioning into the space sector.

• Find out more about the University of Leicester

Main image: Dr Francesca Faedi, Space Park Leicester’s new Academic Liaison for Commercial and Innovation, with new Deputy Director of Space Park Leicester, Professor Nigel Bannister.