Martin Barstow joined the University of Leicester in 1979, becoming Professor of Astrophysics and Space Science in 2003. During his career, he has been School Head and Pro-Vice Chancellor. He has been involved in missions, including Voyager, Hubble, James Webb Space Telescope and ESA’s Gaia mission. He has been a member of space governance bodies for UKSA, ESA and NASA. He is a past-president of the RAS and a member of the Earth Space Sustainability Initiative Executive Committee. He is the originator of the concept of Space Park Leicester and now Director of Strategic Partnerships for the project.