Explore webinar
It is a webinar hosted by the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University, University of St Andrews and University of Strathclyde allowing companies and organisations to hear directly from our leading researchers.
The webinar features experts from different areas sharing insight into their expertise and giving examples of concrete applications.
The Explore webinar offer a unique opportunity for organisations across multiple sectors to learn about the recent research and capabilities in space technologies.
June & August 2026 Explore webinars:
- 17 June 2.00-3.00pm
Enabling Scalable and Cost‑efficient Satellite Systems Through Antenna Innovation - George Goussetis, Heriot-Watt University
The New High Ground: Securing the Future of Space Innovation - Sharon Lemac-Vincerec
- Mid-August (Exact timing will be announced soon)
Patrick Harkness, University of Glasgow
Karen Donaldson, University of Edinburgh
Daniel Sung & Duncan Robertson, University of St Andrews
Are you looking to collaborate with our leading experts on space technologies ? Submit your challenge to AIMday Space Technologies on 27 October 2026.
Speaker presentations
- Professor George Goussetis, Heriot-Watt University
Professor George Goussetis is Chair of Microwave and Antenna Engineering and Associate Dean for Enterprise at Heriot‑Watt University. He brings over 25 years of experience spanning industry, academia, and entrepreneurship and currently leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 30 researchers working across microwave, antenna, and satellite systems, with strong engagement with industry partners and space agencies. George plays an active role in programmes with the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Horizon Europe, focusing on LEO satellite systems, active antennas, and user terminals. He is also co‑founder and chairman of two space companies delivering satellite terminals and services.
Abstract - This webinar will present an antenna‑centric view of next‑generation satellite architectures, informed by two decades of research across reflectors, direct radiating arrays, active antennas, hybrid beamforming, distributed apertures, and emerging AI‑assisted optimisation techniques. Using examples from LEO and GEO systems as well as the ground segment, the talk highlights innovative antenna and RF solutions that bring opportunities to improve system‑level performance, scalability, and cost.
- Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere, Heriot-Watt University
Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere is an interdisciplinary academic in the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship working at the intersection of the dual domains of space and cyber. She combines a blend of expertise in entrepreneurship, space technology, cybersecurity, simulation, and legal knowledge in her research and is currently developing a spinout in the cybersecurity domain.
Abstract - The UK is entering a new phase in the evolution of its space sector, expanding beyond satellite manufacturing into launch capabilities, ground infrastructure, and downstream applications. This transition presents a strategic opportunity to embed cybersecurity and resilience at the core of the ecosystem, rather than attempting costly retrofits later. While the UK’s established expertise in satellite manufacturing provides a strong foundation, future leadership in the global space economy will depend on delivering secure, integrated systems across the entire value chain.
Cybersecurity is rapidly emerging as a key determinant of competitiveness. Investors, insurers, and financial institutions increasingly assess cyber resilience as a proxy for long-term value and risk. A coherent, space-specific cybersecurity framework could reduce uncertainty, lower insurance costs, and position the UK as a trusted environment for both domestic and international investment. In a domain where cyber incidents can have systemic consequences, trusted infrastructure is becoming a critical economic asset.
However, realising this vision requires more than ambition. The absence of a dedicated space cybersecurity strategy leaves gaps across regulation, supply chains, and resilience planning. A coordinated approach - building on existing national strategies - could embed secure-by-design principles, clarify stakeholder responsibilities, and enable more effective sector-wide action. International developments highlight the urgency of this need, as vulnerabilities in spacecraft design and lifecycle security remain insufficiently addressed.
Equally critical are challenges in skills, leadership, and inclusion. The shortage of professionals with combined expertise in space and cybersecurity, alongside limited leadership pipelines and under-utilised talent pools, constrains progress. Addressing these gaps through targeted education, micro-credentials, and inclusive workforce strategies will be essential.
By aligning technical capability with strategic coordination, innovation, and international engagement, the UK can position itself not only as a leading spacefaring nation, but as the most secure and resilient.
- Professor Patrick Harkness, University of Glasgow
Professor Patrick Harkness is Professor of Exploration Technology at the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow. His recent work includes building MachLab, the largest rocket test facility in UK academia. He also leads Rocketry Research Teaching Training (R2T2), a centre for doctoral training that produces the highest calibre of rocket propulsion engineers, supported by the UK Space Agency. He has established a partnership with the Australian Rocket Systems Training Network (ARSTN) and is collaborating with the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) in South Africa. The University of Glasgow is building the payload for ASRI’s first launch vehicle. Professor Harkness’ wider research includes developing sampling hardware for extreme environments – both on Earth and in space – as well as advancing technologies for deployable structures in orbit.
- Dr Karen M. Donaldson, University of Edinburgh
Dr Karen M. Donaldson is an Elizabeth Georgeson Fellow in The School of Engineering at The University of Edinburgh. She holds degrees in physics, space related plasma physics and high-powered Radio Frequency engineering. She leads the space activity related research in the Soft Systems Group, exploring the fundamentals and application of the convergence of pure science and engineering to robotic systems.
- Dr Daniel Sung & Professor Duncan Robertson, University of St Andrew
Dr Daniel Sung holds an MPhys (Hons.) in Physics from the University of St Andrews. After first completing a summer project in millimetre wave feed horn design during his undergraduate degree, Daniel joined the group for his final year project concerning DNP methodology and instrumentation for use with medical MRI. After continuing this work in a second summer project, Daniel joined the Millimetre Wave Group as a PhD student in 2020 and aims to develop a continuous flow Overhauser DNP MRI system, providing an alternative to existing methods.
Professor Duncan A. Robertson holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics and Electronics and a Ph.D. in millimetre wave physics from the University of St Andrews, Scotland. For most of his career he has been with the Millimetre Wave Group at the University of St Andrews working on battlefield systems, passive imaging, electron spin resonance spectroscopy instrumentation, and millimetre wave radar for remote sensing and security applications. His research interests include millimetre-wave radar, radiometry, imaging, electron spin resonance instrumentation, quasi-optics, materials characterization and antennas.