Latest news with #RobertHill
Belfast Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Matrix NI focuses on the future
Robert Hill, Chair of Matrix NI, explains how Northern Ireland is gaining momentum in the commercial exploitation of research & development and science and technology. Robert Hill, Chair of Matrix NI, has highlighted the crucial role the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel plays in advising government, and informing academia and industry, to realise the potential of Northern Ireland as a global science and technology leader. Robert Hill states: 'My role is to convene those who have expertise and a passion for their sector but also to bring these elements together with a coherent voice for the Northern Ireland Science & Technology community'. Matrix panel members have wide sectoral representation including Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Life Sciences, Digital Technology. Wireless Networks and Cybersecurity. Matrix has just launched the 'Future Focus' video series featuring 16 of its panel members, profiling their sector of business activity and expertise, with a view to the future, informed by Matrix report findings. A key output of Matrix is the research reports in the form of foresight studies, which provide analysis and recommendations, to assist the Department for the Economy (DfE) to build the evidence base for future science and Research & Development policies within a wider innovation policy framework. Mr Hill commented: 'The foresight studies produced through the panel of our industry experts, explore the emerging technologies and market growth, assessing the potential across sectors for investment and policy support. We need to share and learn from the successes of our local companies and take forward the recommendations from Matrix sectoral reports, to have the agility to garner these evolving opportunities.' Mr Hill added: 'The wide-ranging reports have recently covered areas including AI, Regulatory Technology, Advanced Wireless Networks, Life and Health Sciences and the Space Sector. The next report is due to launch June 18th on the theme of a 'sustainable built NI environment'. It will explore how to address the challenges of the decarbonisation of our homes, workplaces, and the infrastructure that binds our communities'. Robert Hill is also the manager for the Northern Ireland Space Cluster and Director of the Northern Ireland Space Office, and Mr Hill commented further: 'Northern Ireland has a rich heritage when it comes to science, industry and technology, from the linen trade, shipbuilding and then into aerospace. If we fast forward to 2025, as an example, there is a family-owned business located in Portadown known for precision springs, called Springco which has supplied its components to reach Mars aboard space missions—just one example of how local companies can make a global impact'. Mr Hill added as an example of technology application: 'One standout initiative using technology to address an environmental issue includes using satellite data to monitor Lough Neagh, a critical water source for 40% of Northern Ireland's population. In partnership with the UK Space Agency, local companies are working on early detection, monitoring and the prediction of harmful algal blooms—showcasing how space technology can directly benefit communities'. Mr Hill concluded "Our region's size enables deep collaboration across industry, academia, and government. Matrix is proud to help channel this collaboration into clear strategic priorities for growth and leveraging through links with the City Growth Deals (DfE). I look forward to the innovation and improved commercialisation potential as our key sectors continue to adapt, grow and rise to the challenge."
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Yahoo
Baton Rouge Police arrest man accused of deadly shooting near Plank Road
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Baton Rouge man was arrested in connection to a January shooting that left one person dead. The Baton Rouge Police Department said Robert Hill, 37, was shot and killed in his car on Oswego Street near Plank Road around 9 p.m. Jan. 31. Jonathan Christopher, 59, was charged with second-degree murder, illegal use of weapons and aggravated criminal damage to property. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Tuesday. Baton Rouge man accused of rape at LSU dorm room, police say Bipartisan bill would cap credit card interest rates at 10% White House begins migrant flights to Guantanamo Bay President Donald Trump to attend Super Bowl LIX Michael Jordan's son, Marcus, arrested after allegedly fleeing Florida police: reports Live: Pros breakdown Super Bowl defense, matchups and 'Inner Excellence' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Spacecraft built and tested in Belfast to be sent to the Moon
A spacecraft which is due to be built, tested and assembled in Belfast is destined for the Moon, thanks to a new contract signed by Thales Alenia Space. The company, who have a facility in Belfast, has signed an €862 million contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop the Argonaut Lunar Lander, which will deliver cargo, infrastructure and scientific instruments to the moon's surface The Argonaut is set to launch from the 2030s and the maiden mission is expected to handle the delivery of dedicated navigation and telecommunication payloads as well as energy generation and storage systems, marking a significant step for European enterprises exploring the Lunar southern area. Robert Hill, NI SPACE cluster manager said; 'This news is testament to the quality and credibility of Northern Ireland's space sector, which has steadily expanded through collaboration between industry, academia, and the public sector. The most exciting part is—we're going to the moon! READ MORE: Watch: Belfast astronomer on mission to stop asteroid strike on Eartha READ MORE: Northern Ireland born Rosemary Coogan qualifies as an astronaut "In the next five to ten years, we will see propulsion modules from Northern Ireland landing on the moon's surface, and we will also see the region's first ESA astronaut taking flight into space after Rosemary Coogan completed her training last year. That's a major achievement and something that would have seemed impossible just five years ago.' The Argonaut spacecraft comprises three main elements: the lunar descent element (LDE) for flying to the Moon and landing on the target, the cargo platform one, which is the interface between the lander and its payload, and finally, the element that the mission designers want to send to the Moon. A key feature of Argonaut's design is its adaptability, which is why the cargo platform is designed to accept any mission profile: cargo for astronauts near the landing site, a rover, technology demonstration packages, production facilities using lunar resources, a lunar telescope or even a power station. This project will bolster Thales Alenia Space's expertise in several technological areas crucial to space exploration beyond the Moon. "Argonaut lunar lander means a lot to our company" said Hervé Derrey, Thales Alenia Space CEO. "Thanks to this astonishing space vehicle, tons of cargo will be delivered to the Moon's surface, including rovers, scientific missions and many more. This new element of the Artemis program will serve at facilitating long- duration manned lunar exploration missions and will be crucial to increase European autonomy in lunar exploration. "The Moon will also serve as a stepping stone for crewed missions into deep space, with Mars being the next stage of the journey. I wanted to express my gratitude to ESA for awarding this new contract to our company. Today's major achievement strengthens more than ever Thales Alenia Space's leading positions in the fields of space transportation systems, orbital infrastructures and space exploration". "We are truly honored that ESA has renewed its trust in our company by awarding Thales Alenia Space this major contract to develop the European lunar lander that will enable Europe to access autonomously to the Moon's surface", Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Senior Vice President, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space, expressed with pride. "Today, with its longstanding expertise in space exploration infrastructure and vehicles, our company, in line with ESA's and ASI's visions, has decided to enhance its competitiveness by investing in the development of technological solutions to help Europe achieve its goals. Supplying a significant proportion of the International Space Station's pressurized volume, playing a major role on board Artemis, manufacturing the backbone of Orion's European service module and leading flagship transportation programs such as IXV or Space Rider, Thales Alenia Space is more than ever at the forefront of exploration and space transportation systems". For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
