2121: Founders of the Future
Planet
Researching the unknown, Leicester’s space science has no limits.
For many decades now, we have pioneered space research in the UK.
Our unique vantage point on the world from above means that our scientists also lead important work in environmental health, climate change and sustainability, while also driving research into the ethical and regulatory issues around the human impact on - and ‘ownership’ of - space, a hugely important area in the private space race of the modern era.
Since 1967, there has been a University of Leicester-built instrument operating in space every year, and we have led the Bepi Colombo, ExoMars and James Webb Telescope space missions. We are home to Space Park Leicester which enriches the region by providing an unrivalled national hub, driving growth in the space and environmental sector.
Give now to Planet at Leicester
If you would like to discuss how you can contribute to People at Leicester, please contact our Philanthropy Team by emailing philanthropy@leicester.ac.uk.
Ways you can support Planet at Leicester
Institute for Environmental Futures
The Institute for Environmental Futures is an interdisciplinary initiative bringing together researchers from across the University of Leicester. Its goal is to establish pathways to resilient, sustainable, and just environmental futures in the context of the global challenges of a climate emergency, habitat loss, disaster risk, species extinction, environmental degradation, pollution, population growth, emerging and changing health issues, and rapid socio-economic change.
The Institute’s adventurous, discovery-led and transdisciplinary research programme is intended to have a substantial impact on environmental policies and practice for ensuring the future habitability of Planet Earth.
Institute for Space
For over 60 years we’ve pioneered space research at Leicester. Our astronomers discovered the first known black hole in our galaxy, and our space pioneers have been involved in over 20 successfully launched space missions and currently have seven instruments operating in space. The Institute for Space is building a coalition of space research groups and centres across the University of Leicester, broadening its reach to include new areas of space policy and regulation.
The Institute for Space’s goal is to serve as an important vehicle in realising the UK’s ambition to 'grow as a science and technology superpower', bringing in the expertise and knowledge of colleagues across the University of Leicester.