Space Group: highlights from Ecsite 2024
The 2024 edition of the annual Ecsite conference recently took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia. As usual, it was preceded by a workshop organised by ESA and the Ecsite Space Group, which this year was focused on the theme of 'Space exploration and communication'.
Held from 5 to 8 June at the Kersnikova Institute at the GR—Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, the 2024 Ecsite conference just wrapped up. As every year, the European Space Agency organised a workshop with the Space Group, one of the four Ecsite thematic groups. This year it explored the theme of 'Space exploration and communication'.
A collaborative workshop on the future of space exploration and communication
The pre-conference Space Group workshop, organised by the European Space Agency and the Ecsite Space Group, was held on 5 June, preceding the main Ecsite conference sessions. Under the title 'Space exploration and communication: a collaborative workshop on the future', this event brought together representatives from science centres, museums, universities, ESA/ESERO offices and the Slovenian Space Office. As usual, the event served as platform for both speakers and attendees to share educational and exhibition resources, learn from each another and make valuable connections.
The workshop commenced with welcoming remarks from Catherine Franche, Executive Director of Ecsite, and Sandra Benitez Herrera, Space Group co-chair, Education Scientist and ESAC Communication Officer at ESA.
Tanja Permozer, Head of the Slovenian Space Office, presented ongoing activities at both national and European levels. During her presentation, she highlighted that Slovenia has recently completed talks on its full membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) and is expected to become a new member by 2025. Additionally, she added that the establishment of this new ESA/ESERO office will position Slovenia as a significant player in the space sector.
Since 2012, the Space Group has seen consistent growth, welcoming over 300 members to date. The annual Ecsite conference is the ideal occasion to officially introduce new members to the group. This year, for example, the Space Group welcomed the Centre of Space Technologies Herman Potočnik Noordung from Slovenia.
This new Space Group member was represented at the Ecsite conference by Klemen Balanc, Professional Development Coordinator, and Nik Hrovat, STEM Education Facilitator and Outreach Coordinator, who commented with enthusiasm: “This was the first Ecsite conference for the Noordung Centre. It was a fantastic opportunity for professional growth and networking. Being part of Ecsite and its Space Group will take our centre to the next level!”
The Ecsite conference
The Ecsite conference is one of the most important meetings for world experts in science communication. This year it brought together more than 900 participants from 50 countries, and featured more than 75 educational workshops, panels, discussions, and presentations on a wide range of topics, from ethics, education, and engagement to marketing, space sustainability, research, strategy, and more.
Inspiration, a multidisciplinary approach, public engagement, sustainable development, innovation, and inclusiveness were some of the key themes highlighted during the opening ceremony. "Recognising diversity of activities is fundamental for science communication, " said Jure Gašparič, Secretary of State for Higher Education, Science, and Innovation in Slovenia. Bruno Maquart, President of Ecsite, commented: “Events like Ecsite greatly inspire creativity within the science engagement community to tackle the challenges ahead.” Other speakers included Zoran Janković, Major of the City of Ljubljana, Jurij Krpan, Art Director of the Kersnikova Institute, and Catherine Franche, Executive Director of ECSITE. The Kersnikova Institute at the GR—Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre is a prominent cultural institution in Ljubljana dedicated to blending science, art, and technology. It is a place where artists can collaborate with scientists and engineers to research and develop their work. In line with the Kersnikova Institute's vision, which aims to inspire curiosity and foster creativity among people of all ages, Ecsite 2024 focused on the intersection of art and science through its innovative programs and exhibitions.
The Space Group session at Ecsite 2024
Moderated by ESA’s Education Scientist and ESAC Communication Officer and Space Group co-chair Sandra Benitez Herrera, the session focused on the topic ‘Space for sustainable development: connecting people to our planet". Herrera was joined on stage by a diverse group of speakers, including Fiorella Coliolo, Astronomer and Curator of Space Exhibitions, Christophe Chaffardon, Director of Education at Cité de l’Espace and Kate Isaac, CHEOPS Project Scientist at ESA. They presented various projects related to space and sustainable development goals, discussing how international organisations, research centres, and museums are increasingly recognising the importance of public education and engagement in addressing sustainability issues.
ESA booth at the Ecsite Trade Show area
The Ecsite Trade Show area played a significant role in fostering connections and exchanges among conference attendees. Once again, it served as dynamic platform for professionals and institutions to present new science communication tools, engage new audiences and reinforce collaborations. Within the Ecsite Trade Show area, the ESA/Ecsite Space Group booth represented a hub to meet and engage with artists, scientists, communicators, and education specialists from all over the world. This helped to extend communication on European space achievements and enabled discussions about new ideas for collaborative projects. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore the ESA Space Shop collection.
What’s next?
The Space Group Annual Meeting will take place on 16 and 17 October 2024 at the Museo della tecnica e della scienze ‘Leonardo da Vinci’, in Milan. The Ecsite conference 2025 will be held at the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw (Poland).
