School of Convergence Science Space, Security and Telecoms

Science to protect, connect and know our worlds

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An introduction to the Space, Security and Telecoms theme

Humanity has always been a force of change.  

Today, we live in a world where the pace of scientific advancement is unprecedented. A world where communication is instantaneous and safety concerns extend to the digital sphere. These are truly remarkable times and call for truly extraordinary thinking. 

The Space, Security and Telecoms theme exists at the very frontier of this new society – exploring three distinct themes: to protect, connect and know our worlds. 

We will set the global agenda at the intersection of these disciplines, delivering the academic leadership this moment demands. 

Our missions

The School of Convergence Science is mission-led – shaped by society’s most complex challenges. Below are some exemplar missions the School is exploring:  

  • Thunderbird: We will question how we can deploy ultra-fast, autonomous and self-deploying disaster responses, delivering out-of-the-box infrastructure and relief anywhere on Earth in less than 12 hours by 2030. 
  • Lace: We will explore how we can invent and deploy a truly smart and sustainable satellite membrane surrounding our planet to communicate, protect and understand it. By 2030 we’ll demonstrate the first fully reconfigurable, self-repairing, self-disposing satellite. 
  • Space 2099: We will interrogate whether we can venture into the solar system for the security of humankind, in a sensible, realistic and smart way. By 2030 we will demonstrate the necessary technologies in an Earth-based space-analogue living lab. 

Our Co-Directors

Professor Jonathan Eastwood

Professor Jonathan Eastwood
School of Space, Security and Telecoms Convenor and Co-Director

Professor Kin Leung

Professor Kin Leung
School of Space, Security and Telecoms Co-Director

Professor Julie McCann

Professor Julie McCann
School of Space, Security and Telecoms Co-Director

Professor Matthew Santer

Professor Matthew Santer
School of Space, Security and Telecoms Co-Director