Space Investment Forum Advisory Board Member

For the last couple of years Phil has had the pleasure of working with colleagues and stakeholders in developing High-Tech, regional innovation clusters, in key strategic sectors for the UK. Initially setting up and leading the North West of England’s Health and Life sciences Cluster (HealthTech), he has established and managed multiple clusters including in Space and other sectors in the UK and currently chairs the UK’s Space Cluster Regional Advisory Board.

Clusters exist to connect key capabilities between stakeholders, national science facilities and innovators in the wider ecosystem to support collaboration, cross-sector innovation and community building.

A scientist by background, he undertook a PhD for the European Space Agency at King’s College London, conducting numerous studies on a SkinSuit which was designed to support astronauts in space and reduce the risk of spinal issues post flight. This has subsequently been used on several astronaut missions.

Passionate about cross sector opportunities, including Health & Space, for 5 years he coordinated the UK’s Space Life and Biomedical Science Association, which among other core activities he led the development of the UK Position Paper ‘Why Space? The opportunity for Health & Life Science Innovation”. He currently is working with the Satellite Applications Catapult and a team on a paper on Why Space for Materials.

At a European Level Phil serves as the elected President for the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA), who are set to host their Biennial conference September 3-6th 2024, in Liverpool.