Space Hub Yorkshire co-founder awarded honorary doctorate
Space technology expert Mandy Ridyard has been awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering by the University of Bradford, following her transformative work with her award winning aerospace engineering business.
As co-owner and financial director at Baildon based Produmax Ltd, Mandy has overseen the adoption of new technology, with her innovative thinking leading to impressive growth and engagement for the business.
Mandy is also the Chair of Space Hub Yorkshire - a group dedicated to coordinating space activity across the region, providing space expertise and acting as an advocate for space research and industry opportunities. In addition to her work with SHY, she is Co-Chair of the local Digital Skills Partnership, and holds positions on the LEP, Bradford Economic Recovery Board and Bradford Sustainable Development Partnership where she contributes to key initiatives and concerns on a regional basis.
The University of Bradford is one of several institutes that is part of the Space Hub Yorkshire Virtual Space Campus, with the recently established Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI focussing research on communications, satellite imaging and data science and more. The centre recently developed an AI-based system to combat cyber attacks against aeroplanes and air traffic control. Mandy explains her involvement with the Space Hub: “A year and a half ago, I helped set up Space Hub Yorkshire, which looks at the space industry and academia to see whether there was a space industry here in Yorkshire. It’s so great because Bradford simultaneously got the investment (for the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Sace AI), so that’s been a fantastic opportunity for the University too.”
Mandy is passionate about the district of Bradford, and sees the graduation ceremony as a celebration of the future: “I like to be involved in anything that I can that promotes Bradford and it’s people - especially the future of Bradford which is the young people. I’m passionate about things like apprentices and graduates, especially in manufacturing and engineering, so I’ve loved being here to receive my award.”