Sidara and UCL (University College London) have today announced a major global research and innovation partnership aimed at tackling the climate crisis and addressing how data can be used to improve the quality of life in communities around the world.

The partnership will unite UCL’s world-leading research capabilities with Sidara’s deep industry expertise to design and develop joint research initiatives and thought leadership.

UCL teams will collaborate with Sidara at 150 Holborn in London and work directly with technical experts from our companies worldwide. The focus of the partnership will be on priority areas that align with UCL Grand Challenges – the university’s flagship program that tackles complex global issues through interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

A major achievement of the partnership includes the launch of a new center of excellence on sustainable aviation. The center will carry out in-depth analysis with Sidara aviation experts to produce practical, evidence-based strategies for decarbonizing one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.

The main goals of the partnership are:

• To collaborate on joint research and thought leadership to further debate and discussion on how to solve critical global challenges.
• Co-create a program of initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship, including joint workshops, seminars, incubation programs, and university-led educational programs.
• Develop exchange programs for UCL students and staff with Sidara companies to foster knowledge sharing.

Dan Horner, Managing Director of Sidara UK, commented: “The world around us is changing rapidly. The same old thinking will no longer be enough if we’re serious about protecting our planet and improving the lives of rapidly growing urban populations.

By partnering with a globally top 10 university, such as UCL, we’re demonstrating our commitment to driving progress. With UCL’s world-leading research capabilities and our specialist industry knowledge, I truly believe we can make a big difference to improving the built environment for the better.”

Sam Balch, Director of UCL Grand Challenges, said: “We are excited to partner with Sidara and bring together industry expertise, with academic excellence and interdisciplinary thinking, to address the world’s most pressing problems. Sidara’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission.

“By embedding Grand Challenges at the heart of this partnership, we’re creating a platform where breakthrough ideas on climate, mobility, and data-driven urban transformation can be rapidly developed, tested, and applied in real-world settings. This collaboration represents not just a shared ambition, but a shared responsibility to shape a better, more resilient future.”