UK Microgravity Review

On the request of the Science Minister, Lord Sainsbury, BNSC set up an independent panel to review the potential benefits to the UK of research in the life and physical sciences using space facilities (for example through collaboration in international programmes).

The Review Panel was chaired by Prof William Wakeham (Vice Chancellor of Southampton University), and its recommendations were submitted to the Directors General of BNSC and of the Research Councils before being presented to Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation.

The other members of the panel were:

• Sir Richard Sykes (Rector, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine)
• Sir Peter Williams (Chairman, Engineering and Technology Board)
• Dr Steve Garwood (Director of Materials, Rolls Royce plc)

The response of the Minister is linked below, along with the recommendations of the panel and the information report which was submitted to them to help inform their deliberations. Comments were also invited from interested parties - these are also linked where permission to do so has been granted.

Minister's statement on microgravity, 10 May 2004

Recommendations of the Microgravity Review Panel, 15 January 2003

Information Report on Microgravity, October 2002 (512kB)

Independent submissions to the Panel, October-November 2002 (500kB)

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