Release Date 02 July 2012

The University of Reading's expertise in space-related research will be showcased next week at Farnborough International Airshow - the biggest events of its kind in the world.

Reading is a member of the International Space Innovation Centre (ISIC) and will join co-members to demonstrate the benefits of space technologies and how they are used in all aspects of life. ISIC is the first facility of its kind in Europe and was set up with government and private investment to bring together expertise and facilities from research institutes, universities and industry.

The University specialises in earth observation (EO) and is home to the National Centre for Earth Observation, which plays a major role in steering the National Environment Research Council's and the UK's EO strategy. EO uses data from satellites to monitor global and regional changes in the environment so that future environmental conditions can be modelled and predicted. Reading also has an international reputation for its research into space weather and has advised the UK government on solar flares and their potential impact on UK infrastructure and power supplies.

Reading's Infrared Multilayer Lab has been producing specialist coatings for the space industry for over 40 years, working on projects with NASA and the European Space Agency.

Robert Gurney, Professor of Earth Observation Sciences at the University, said:  "We are looking forward to showcasing our innovative research to visitors to Farnborough. Our expertise covers food security, weather, climate and ocean monitoring, all of which are crucial to how we adapt to our changing world in the decades to come."

Farnborough International Airshow 2012 takes from place from 9 - 15 July 2012. The ISIC stand is located in the Space Zone in Hall 3.

ENDS

For more information please contact Rona Cheeseman on 0118 378 7388 or email r.cheeseman@reading.ac.uk

Notes to editors

The International Space Innovation Centre (ISIC) has been established on the Harwell Oxford campus. It creates a critical mass of space-related activities by linking existing distributed pockets of expertise in UK industry, academia and Government. More information at http://www.stfc.ac.uk/ISIC/default.aspx