Philip Carvil's Biography

Philip Carvil, Head of Clusters (NW), Science and Technology Facilities Council, Part of UK Research and Innovation

For the last couple of years for UKRI-STFC I have had the pleasure of working with colleagues and stakeholders in developing High-Tech innovation regional clusters in key strategic sectors for the UK. The 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, I undertook my PhD for the European Space Agency at King’s College London, conducting numerous studies on a SkinSuit which was designed to provide axial loading to support astronauts in space and reduce the risk of spinal issues post flight. This has subsequently been used on several ESA astronaut missions. At a European Level, I serve as the elected President for the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA), which among other activities, has with ESA co-created and supported the running of a gravity related research summer school for university students across Europe. At a National Level, for 5 years I was the elected coordinator of the UK’s Space Life and Biomedical Science Association, among core activities such as an annual showcase science symposium, I led the development of the Position Paper ‘Why Space? The opportunity for Health & Life Science Innovation.”