Katherine Bennell-Pegg, who is the first astronaut to officially represent Australia, visited RMIT for a tour and panel discussion taking students through her journey from physics student to space systems engineer and astronaut.
Bennell-Pegg spoke with students and staff who are leading key projects in space-related fields and tried her hand at RMIT's cutting-edge technologies including the Nova360 helicopter simulator.
The visit included a tour of RMIT's Virtual Experiences (VX) Lab, showcasing some of the University's immersive research in space weather and food technology.
The astronaut, whose long list of accolades include being named Australian of the Year in 2026, was impressed by the quality of research and education on display, as well as the passionate minds behind it.
"I got to meet so many incredible students, researchers, and staff who are at the cutting edge of the cutting edge, with incredible capabilities for understanding the space environment and Australia's needs in it," Bennell-Pegg said.
"Much of the future of space is being built here at RMIT," she added, drawing attention to RMIT's VR technologies, robots, food research, and fashion as examples of innovation that place the University at the forefront of Australia's space industry.
In a special presentation and panel discussion with students, Bennell-Pegg emphasised the importance of investing in STEM research and education in Australia.
"For Australia right now, we really do need a cultural shift in how we view science and research and technology at the individual level, that it's not just the kids that are top of the class, but also at the societal level, backing in our own research and our own ideas, rather than thinking things are out of reach for Australia.
"The door is there if we want to walk through it as a nation to go even further, and knowing that it's an investment, it's not a sunk cost.
"Space is so critical for quality of life and our environment around the world."
Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of STEM College and Vice-President, said that it was an honour to host Bennell-Pegg and showcase the University's unique contributions to the space sector.
"It was a pleasure to share with Katherine our strengths right across RMIT, and how our collaborative approach will help us advance what comes next for space and STEM," Professor Itsiopoulos said.
