European Money Launches Spartan Project In Leicester

The world-class reputation of the University of Leicester’s Department of Physics and Astronomy has been recognised in a €1.6M (approximately £1.1M) grant from the European Union.

Supported by this award, the SPARTAN project will help address the challenge of developing European space infrastructure in the 21st century, to provide a capability independent of NASA.

SPARTAN creates a centre of excellence in research training in the Space, Planetary and Astrophysical Sciences at the University. It provides a number of prestigious fellowships and will support exchange visits up to 3 months duration between European universities and research institutions.

This will produce a more adaptable nucleus of researchers, capable of fulfilling the needs of the European space, planetary and astrophysical science community, who are able to become future leaders in these fields.

The project will provide a first-class training for European students at a world-class centre for space research and will develop an international space training network. Key elements of the research programme will include space science & technology, earth observation, planetary science and astrophysics, which are important disciplines at Leicester.

The project co-ordinator, Professor Martin Barstow, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in the development of the European space programme and will further enhance Leicester’s international reputation.

“SPARTAN funds will allow us to bring in students from outside the UK, who we cannot usually support, and develop the international flavour of our department.”