Top British Universities Unite To Form UK’s Own NASA

Cambridge, Cranfield, Manchester, and Nottingham are among top British universities joining forces to create a UK-wide infrastructure of accessible, integrated, and world-class aerospace research facilities.

The UK is to have its version of NASA – The National Aerospace Research Consortium (NARC), will cover all areas of aviation, including airlines, aircraft, airspace, and airports.

Professor Iain Gray, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University, who is acting as coordinator for NARC, said:

“We want to become a one-stop shop for the global market to access the UK’s leading academic aerospace minds and facilities. We aim to put NARC in the same league as other international entities, such as NASA, ONERA or NRC, and support the UK as a global leader in future aerospace research.”

National Aerospace Research Consortium (NARC) will also provide a clear means of communication with equivalent organizations in other countries and multi-national initiatives.

Founding member universities of the National Aerospace Research Consortium (NARC):

• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• Cranfield University
• Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University of Strathclyde

Things you should know about:

The National Aerospace Research Consortium (NARC) was launched on Wednesday 18 July 2018 at the Farnborough International Airshow.

NARC Aim

The National Aerospace Research Consortium (NARC), consisting of the UK’s leading aerospace universities, will aim to directly support UK-based industry through the provision of accessible world-class research facilities, future skills development and centralised research coordination, putting it on par with other international entities (such as NASA, ONERA or NRC) and supporting the UK as a global leader in relevant aerospace research.

NARC Objectives

The NARC will:

Work in partnership with industry, research councils, and government seeks to create a UK-wide infrastructure of accessible, integrated and world-class university strategic facilities (National Aerospace Laboratories) that align with industry priority needs.

Create a future aerospace technology skills base that aligns with priority needs through integrated graduate and postgraduate learning provisions that will enable students to develop world-class expertise within the UK so that they may provide industry and academia with the next generation of technical capability.

Actively promote and engage with the global aerospace industry to promote the UK’s research capability, enabling collaborative research and inward investment.

Provide a single point of contact for equivalent national bodies aerospace bodies (NASA, ONERA etc.) operating in close proximity to the ATI, EPSRC, leading UK and industry consortia.

The NARC will focus on the priority needs of the UK industry as identified by ATI and others:

Future Propulsion
Aircraft of the Future
Smart, Connected and Electric Aircraft
AeroStructures of the Future
National Airborne Test and Research