GRACE hosts UK first

16 February 2009, 7:28pm

16 February 2009 - The GNSS Research and Applications Centre of Excellence (GRACE) based at the University of Nottingham hosted the prestigious UK ‘Growing Galileo’ event on 30th January 2009. The event focused on access to new funding from the European GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) Supervisory Authority (GSA) for collaborative R&D projects under the European Framework 7 Programme (FP7).

Held at the University’s Jubilee Campus just 48 hours after the official European Growing Galileo event in Brussels, the day gave delegates valuable insights into how to apply for European funding for GNSS research and development – and with €40 million available, a 60% increase on previous funding levels, the delegates learned a great deal to their advantage

Jeff Moore, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) opened the event. He introduced delegates to GRACE, a new organisation, jointly created by emda and the University of Nottingham, established to promote GNSS development both regionally and nationally.

Keynote speaker Boris Kennes from GSA provided an insight into the European Galileo programme, and the results of earlier funding proposals. He highlighted the lessons from previous applications and gave tips for companies when they apply for grants.

One of his key messages was that SMEs should be encouraged to apply, as in the first tranche, over 40% of development funds were awarded to SMEs.

Anyone interested in funding opportunities in areas related to GNSS, or GRACE is welcome to speak to Paul Bhatia, the General Manager of GRACE on 0115 823 2332. In addition, SMEs may be eligible for a free two-hour consultation. For more information, please visit www.grace.ac.uk or contact info@grace.ac.uk.

About GRACE

The University of Nottingham and the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) have recently joined forces to create a £9m state-of-the-art centre of excellence in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

The project combines a grant of £3.4m from emda with university investment to develop the facility on The University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP) adjacent to the Jubilee Campus.

The GNSS Research and Applications Centre of Excellence (GRACE) will focus on the growth in applications for satellite navigation and positioning systems such as the American Global Positioning System (GPS) and the European Galileo system. This major cross-disciplinary research centre will also provide new technology transfer and business development opportunities together with state of the art business incubation, business start up and project office facilities. In total it will provide an integrated, purpose built 2,000 sq. metre facility at the centre of the prestigious University of Nottingham Innovation park (UNIP) and will build on Nottingham's reputation as one of the fastest growing scientific centres in the country.
The Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG) at the University of Nottingham currently manages a portfolio of research projects related to GNSS and Geospatial sciences in excess of £1.4m. GRACE will capitalise on existing world-leading research and training at the University. The centre will combine the global renown of cutting-edge research and high calibre teaching in the Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG) and the Centre for Geospatial Science (CGS) to provide research, training and other support for industry, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs.

GRACE

Geo: International