Space Hub Yorkshire (SHY) is delighted to announce the signing of a new collaboration agreement “The Concord” with the University of New Hampshire (UNH), marking the beginning of an exciting international partnership between the United Kingdon and the US to strengthen collaboration in space research, innovation, and skills development.
The formal signing ceremony took place on the 23rd July during an international trade delegation visit from the State of New Hampshire at Walker Morris Solicitors offices in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
This agreement brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to advancing the space sector, it establishes a framework for developing joint initiatives that will benefit academia and industry and will help to forge stronger links between their respective geographies to drive inward investment and export opportunities between them.
The signing of the agreement follows initial discussions between representatives of SHY and UNH in Concord, New Hampshire as part of the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin’s trade mission to the US in October 2024. These discussions have continued with support from members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the State of New Hampshire.
The partnership will explore opportunities to develop collaborative research projects, organise joint academic events including conferences, seminars and workshops, facilitate exchanges of researchers and students, and work together to promote STEM education and develop future-focused skills programmes.
As Space Hub Yorkshire continues to build tangible international partnerships, this agreement reinforces its commitment to connecting Yorkshire’s world-class space capabilities with leading organisations around the world.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“West Yorkshire is home to a world-leading space cluster, with internationally recognised expertise in radio frequency, satellite communications, earth observation, and the wider aerospace and space supply chain.
“That is why during our trade mission to the US two years ago, we showcased the region’s strengths and opportunities, to strengthen collaboration, encourage knowledge exchange, and identify new ways to support the growth of this sector.
“This new partnership reflects our ambitions to ensure that businesses, universities and students across West Yorkshire have access to the skills, opportunities and support they need to thrive’
Nicola Moss, UK Deputy Consul General to New England said:
“The partnership between Space Hub Yorkshire and the University of New Hampshire is a fantastic example of the deep and enduring ties between the United Kingdom and the New England. Yorkshire has built a world-class space cluster, and bringing them together with UNH creates incredible potential for scientific discovery, economic growth and skills development on both sides of the Atlantic”
“We look forward to seeing this relationship grow and deliver benefits for researchers, businesses and students in both nations.
Lucy Lange, Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner, State of New Hampshire said:
“Watching early conversations between Space Hub Yorkshire, UNH, and our state’s aerospace ecosystem evolve into a formal agreement demonstrates the true power of international trade missions”
Jennifer Miksis-Olds, Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of New Hampshire said:
“Today’s signing is an important milestone, but I’m even more excited about what’s next. This foundation will create new opportunities for our researchers, students and industry partners to learn from one another, pursue new ideas together, and strengthen the relationship between our organizations”
“This partnership bridges two world-class innovation hubs to accelerate commercialization, research, and expand high-skilled workforce opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The University of New Hampshire has a strong reputation for research excellence and innovation, particularly in areas relating to space science and engineer ing. Working together, both organisations will seek to create opportunities that deliver mutual benefit while strengthening international collaboration across research, education and industrial engagement.
This concord represents the next step in what both organisations hope will become a long-term and impactful relationship. Through shared expertise, complementary strengths and a commitment to collaboration, Space Hub Yorkshire and the University of New Hampshire look forward to developing initiatives that contribute to scientific discovery, economic growth and the continued success of the global space sector.
