Aurora Collaboration Space

Possibly ‘the best kept secret in Cambridge’, the Aurora Collaboration Space at British Antarctic Survey is a coworking space for members who share our passion for the environment.

Collaboration Space membership at Aurora offers:

• a calm but vibrant coworking environment
• ergonomic desk setup
• access to Aurora events and networking opportunities
• community of like-minded people
• unlimited guest wifi and Eduroam
• kitchenette with fridge & microwave
• on-site canteen serving breakfast & lunch
• access to meeting rooms
• members’ rates for booking seminar rooms & Aurora Conference theatre
• unlimited free parking across the road at Madingley Road Park and Ride
• referral to Innovate UK EDGE coaching and mentoring services

The open office space hosts 32 hot desks. Unlike most coworking spaces, the Aurora Collaboration Space is part of a fully functioning science institute, home to a broad range of environmental science and supporting engineering and operations teams and beyond. The Aurora Innovation Centre hosts a repertoire of events that offer networking opportunities.

Who is the Aurora Collaboration Space membership for?

Whether an individual sole trader or international corporation, you can access our desk space, Aurora expertise and site venue facilities through membership, and benefit from up to 30% off our standard venue booking rates.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please introduce yourself to us by email.

Aurora Partnerships

We build partnerships with individuals, academics and businesses who share our values, and whose expertise and interests complement ours. Jointly we aim to address issues of global importance, helping society adapt to a changing world.

Our partners are global, national and local. From groundwater monitoring in Morocco to high resolution climate modelling in the Himalayas, from fisheries management in Brazil to understanding arctic sea ice loss, polar expertise is relevant. Our polar operations provide a testbed for innovation under extreme conditions, whilst our understanding of polar biodiversity contributes to a sustainable bioeconomy. We are keen to talk to you and explore how our expertise can add benefit to your work.

Please contact one of our Innovation Team members, or email us here.

Collaboration Space Membership Rates:

Part-time (desk use one day per week) – £89/month
Full-time – £250/month

Part-time membership is one eight-hour day Mon-Fri, per week. Normal site access available during 07:00 – 19:00hrs. Minimum membership period for part time thirty days, ninety days for full time, paid monthly in advance. Please note that we are unable to provide workshop space for members.

Inclusivity statement – This is how we do it

Non-discrimination: The Aurora is a space for all, no matter your identity. Discrimination on grounds of age, sex, race, religious beliefs, gender identity or sexual orientation has no place at British Antarctic Survey. Remember this when interacting with others. It is our responsibility to make sure the Aurora is a safe place for everyone – please tell us if you are worried about anything.

Accessibility information: The Aurora Centre has step-free access and accessible toilets at both levels of the building. The Conference Theatre and rooms are equipped with infrared assisted hearing. We are always striving to make our venue more welcoming to all. If you have any feedback or would like to request additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Getting to Aurora Innovation Centre

The Aurora Innovation Centre is located at the British Antarctic Survey HQs in Cambridge. We are located a few minutes walk from Madingley Road free P&R with 4 electric vehicle bays, very easy access from the M11, and a bus service to the city centre and train station. For Cambridge-based visitors, cycling is by far the easiest access option.

Click here for more detailed travel information

1. Cambridge HQ Decarbonisation

   We are working on a raft of measures to reduce our carbon emissions at our Cambridge Headquarters, including installation of solar panels on the car park and roofs of buildings, and adding insulation to our Logistics building.

   Read more of: Cambridge HQ Decarbonisation

   

2. Climate Code

   This collaborative project is born from exploring novel ways of visualising environment​al data and telling the climate change story. Read more about the project and the science behind it through the project page.

   Read more of: Climate Code

   

3. Machine Learning for Sea Ice Forecasting

   IceNet is a deep learning system that forecasts Arctic sea ice. The system is trained on climate simulations and observational data. It outperforms state-of-the-art dynamical models, especially for extreme sea ice events.

   Read more of: Machine Learning for Sea Ice Forecasting

   

1. British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19

   British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our organisation continues to function well in spite of most of our staff working from home. Science and support teams who have completed summer fieldwork are currently being repatriated to UK.

   Read more of: British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19