Our Strategic Advisory Board, made up of 10 leading space experts, provides guidance on the vision, strategy, and growth of Space Park Leicester and the Institute for Space. The board advises on objectives, emerging opportunities, and the effective delivery of our world-leading initiatives, ensuring Leicester remains at the forefront of space innovation.
Geraldine has over 30 years of experience in the European space sector, driving space commercialisation and business development ambitions across the continent.
Richard is a space instrumentation and space nuclear power expert, leading the development of Space Park Leicester’s innovative research, science, enterprise and education offer.
Betty has extensive global experience across high-tech, aerospace, satellite, energy, nuclear, transport, and defence in the public and private sectors.
Joe oversees new opportunities, R&D investments, and strategic partnerships, advancing mission and instrument development to address key scientific questions.
Marie-Claire leads the Mission and Spacecraft Chief Engineering department, overseeing system engineering across all project stages for space programmes.
Karen’s research blends microbiology and astrobiology to study microbial survival, habitability, and life’s limits through simulations, field sites, and strategic panels like COSPAR.
Joanne is a leading satellite expert with experience at ESA and Ofcom and has over 20 years of experience in private practice.
Nigel is a space expert, leading Space Park Leicester’s skills and education, with a PhD in astrophysics and a track record in research, teaching, and outreach.
Emma is the Director of Leicester’s Institute for Space and PI of the MIXS instrument on ESA/JAXA’s BepiColombo mission to Mercury, exploring planetary magnetospheres and auroras.
Sarah is a geoscientist specialising in sedimentology and Earth system change, leading IODP-ESO expeditions and serving as Pro Vice-Chancellor for the College of Science and Engineering.