Amazing GRACE comes to Nottingham

The University of Nottingham and the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) have signed a formal agreement which will see a £9m state-of-the-art facility in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) built in Nottingham.

The GNSS Research and Application Centre of Excellence (GRACE) will capitalise on existing world-leading research and training at the University. GRACE 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.

Professor David Greenaway, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research said: 'With EMDA we are investing not only in the University and region, but in a national asset. There is enormous potential here and I expect significant benefits to follow, not only in terms of support for the business community, but also in visibility for our region.'

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.

Jeff Moore, emda's Chief Executive said: 'More than 120,000 people in the East Midlands are already employed in industries closely related to GNSS and telematics. This cutting-edge facility will really boost the sector, putting the region on the map as a highly-skilled and innovative area where technology is driving business growth. We are delighted to be working so closely with The University of Nottingham on the GRACE project which is the first of its kind in the UK.'

The centre's work 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, which should be fully operational by 2013. This major cross-disciplinary research centre will also provide new technology transfer and business development opportunities. Together this will provide an integrated, purpose built facility building on Nottingham's reputation as one of the fastest growing scientific centres in the country.

Terry Moore, Professor of Satellite Navigation and Director of the IESSG said: 'Satellite navigation is one of the most important growth technologies of the early 21st Century. GPS (the basis of the satnav now familiar in many people's cars) will soon be joined by other systems, including Europe's Galileo, and location and timing services provided by these systems are becoming a fundamental part of all our lives. This new venture will position the University and the East Midlands at the very front of the developments of this new technology, and it will allow us to expand our activities, and work with industry, in establishing a true Centre of Excellence in the East Midlands.'