The start of the academic year brings many novelties at International Space University’s (ISU) Central Campus.
After the intense nine-week Space Studies Program (SSP21) was completed last week in Granada and in Strasbourg, this week sees the arrival, at the central campus, of a new cohort for the Master of Space Studies (MSS22).
On September 2nd, during the inauguration ceremony of the new academic year, ISU’s Director of the Master Program Prof. Chris Welch called each of the 43 new students on stage.
They introduced themselves to an audience of ISU Board members, faculty, staff, alumni and invited guests from local government and national and international organisations.
The class of MSS22 represents 21 nationalities from four continents and a variety of backgrounds, spanning from engineering and sciences to architecture, finance and law.
Three quarters of the class were present in the Cosmos Auditorium of ISU’s Central Campus, while others are following the first days of classes online until they can safely travel to France.
MSS22 is an in-person multidisciplinary program covering all seven disciplines of ISU and including space sciences, engineering, applications, management and humanities.
The event also marked the inauguration of Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund, former ISU Chancellor, as the new President of the university in succession of Juan de Dalmau who concludes his three-year mandate.
Chairman of the Board Dr. Christian Sallaberger wished the new class much success in a program that “will change their lives”, thanked outgoing President Juan de Dalmau and said “Juan has led ISU to not only survive but to thrive in these difficult times of the pandemic. Thank you for your hard work and steady leadership and vision in transforming parts of ISU programs into online and hybrid ones”.
In a process that started about one year ago, the ISU Board’s Presidential Search Committee unanimously agreed that Prof. Ehrenfreund was the right person to lead ISU going forward.
Chairman Sallaberger said “Having previously served as Chancellor, Pascale is already quite passionate about ISU. She has had a stellar career leading national and international space organisations while never losing her strong links to academia. Welcome Pascale!”.
Photo Credits: Cover photo – Marc Dossmann Photo Expression, Inside photo – Prof. Chris Welch, International Space University
