An accomplished academic and expert in the Space Economy, Francesca combines 15+ years of research experience in astrophysics with applied expertise in innovation, commercialisation, and scale-up support within the space sector. She works at the intersection of research, industry, and policy, bringing an interdisciplinary approach that translates cutting-edge science into real-world impact and strategic ecosystem development.

Francesca lectures on the Space Economy at the University of Leicester School of Business and maintains strong national and international ties across the UK space sector. She has successfully delivered and supported collaborative technology and commercial development projects involving government, academia, and industry stakeholders, securing £11m in funding with a 40% success rate.

Her focus lies in innovation and commercialisation, supporting deep-tech ventures and scaling innovation within the space economy. She has developed effective university–industry collaboration models that embed R&D into commercial pathways and engages strategically with investors, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to de-risk innovation and accelerate market access.

Francesca has collaborated with Nobel Laureate Professor Didier Queloz, co-authoring 28 peer-reviewed publications and her contributions to science have been recognised with the honour of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two children, Zac (7) and Joshua (10).