On Thursday 10 November 2022, ISU Prof. Nicolas Peter attended the Space Forum of the 10th Bahrain International Airshow to moderate a panel on “How to engage new generations in space”. The session discussed the diverse ways and means to engage the new space generation and in particular the role of education, scientific research, public awareness, innovation, and industrial advancements in the new era.
The panelists represented the key actors in the region:
- E. Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Al Aseeri, CEO, National Space Science Agency (Bahrain)
- E. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General, UAE Space Agency (UAE)
- E. Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO, Egyptian Space Agency (Egypt)
- Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman cum Managing Director, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) (India)
After a presentation of the latest developments in their respective organizations and their efforts to support education and workforce developments and engage the new generations. The panel exchanged on the challenges the sector faces and strategies they are implementing to tackle them. It was acknowledged in particular by all participants that human capital is key and that the space sector needs to inspire and attract the current generations of students and young professionals (i.e. Generation Z) as well as the new one (i.e. Generation Alpha) that is about to make choices about their studies so that a pipeline of talents is available for the space sector. It was also highlighted that a diversity of backgrounds, skills, and experience is crucial for future success.
Prof Peter stressed that:
“The ISU attendance of the 10th Bahrain International Airshow is important in order to reach out to a very dynamic region, and our role in the Space Forum demonstrates the recognition of the International Space University’s longstanding expertise in the space education sector”.
Photo Credit: Bahrain International Airshow
