Regulation, access and management of space is gathering pace and Flinders University is shooting for the stars under an expanded alliance with the leading world agency in space policy.
The Jeff Bleich Centre at Flinders University is strengthening ties with the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) with the launch of a new research fellowship program this year.
Professor Rodrigo Praino, who leads the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies at Flinders University, says an ESPI expert in space policy, space law and space governance will arrive in South Australia under the scheme later this year.
"Australia and Europe share core values and democratic ideals, and closer cooperation between the two has become fundamental for these values and ideals to continue thriving," says Professor Praino, Professor of Politics and Public Policy, who has just returned from ESPI headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
"It is a fantastic example on how Australia and Europe can work closely together to achieve significant impact for students, researchers and the next generation of leaders in space policy and law."
The expanded agreement between ESPI and the Jeff Bleich Centre at Flinders University will support joint studies, academic exchanges, conferences, and workshops conducted in both Europe and Australia.
Australia's growing national space industry employs more than 16,000 people, according to the Australian Space Agency. As well as a major employer of the future STEM workforce, career paths to follow include space law, medicine, design and manufacturing, robotics and data analysis.
The new agreement with Flinders University builds on a memorandum of understanding collaboration struck with leading international agency ESPI three years ago, which launched an annual student intern program in Vienna.
This year's exchange trainee, Flinders law student Jessie Hill (pictured), has been introduced to ESPI's interdisciplinary research environment and engaged with policymakers, academics, and practitioners across Europe's space sector.
"My time at ESPI has been deeply rewarding and genuinely impactful," she says. "Working alongside a team of people who are passionate about making a difference has allowed me the opportunity to grow my confidence, skills and perspective on space policy. I'm truly grateful for this experience and everything I've learned along the way."
Marco Aliberti, EPSI Associate Director of International Engagement, Partnerships and Education, says the program will deepen bilateral knowledge exchange, broaden research cooperation, and strengthen ESPI's global outreach activities.
"Our partnership with Flinders University has created a truly meaningful bridge between Europe and Australia for young professionals entering the space sector," says Mr Aliberti.
"Extending the traineeship and launching joint research and engagement activities will reinforce our objective of bringing the European and Australian ecosystem closer together, towards new level of collaboration and federation."
