From Space to Society. And Back.

3 Workshops and a Hackathon: Eurisy at HEMUS 2024 showcasing space for safety and sustainability in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

HEMUS 2024: Research and Innovation for Security, Defence and Space, the largest annual defence exhibition in the Balkans, took place this year within two main contexts. On the one hand, geopolitical relations trend toward tension, and climate change continues to exert a growing toll on societies, culminating in new and increasing risks to society. On the other hand, a growing national technological sector stimulated by national and international initiatives has built the foundations of a range of capabilities ready to provide safety and security to Bulgaria, and the wider EU. Gathered in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, a city with nearly 3,000 years of history still on display among its streets, a range of stakeholders, from policy experts, armed forces, space companies, and user communities, discussed how to ensure a safe and resilient future for the rapidly modernising country. Within these contexts, Eurisy supported three side events during HEMSUS 2024, “Space for Security and Defence”, “Satellite-based Services for Disaster Risk Management”, and “Space for Sustainable Future”.

Eurisy and EUSPA join forces with the Portuguese Space Agency and the Potuguese Navy for Disaster Risk Management workshop

Eurisy at the 1st Pact for Skills Forum

Between 21 and 22 March 2024, Eurisy participated online in the 1st edition of the Pact for Skills Forum “Unlocking the skills potential across Europe”, organised by the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) of the European Commission, under the umbrella of Pact for Skills, one of the flagship actions of the European Skills Agenda. Eurisy’s participation follows its increasing activities and engagement in the education and skills in the downstream space sector.

Eurisy at the 10th European Summit of Cities and Regions

Eurisy participated in the 10th Summit of Regions and Cities in Mons, Belgium. Local and regional authorities were given a platform to voice their concerns about the increasing impact of climate change in their cities and regions and in the global context, and their struggle to overcome some of their challenges. Short- and long-term solutions were discussed and exchanged among leaders, but one valuable tool was not considered: space-based applications and services.

The future of Space Diplomacy at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024

Eurisy President, Dominique Tilmans recently attended the third edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey (March 1-3, 2024). With the theme “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil”, the event gathered heads of states and governments, ministers, diplomats, business leaders, academics, think-tankers, youth, and media representatives for an all-encompassing debate about the future of international diplomacy, with specific attention also to the space sector.

Kicking Off the UDENE Project in Ankara

How can Earth Observation data support an efficient and sustainable urban development? From 12th to 14th of February, UDENE consortium met in Ankara, Turkey for the kick-off the new project. Focused on U(rban) D(evelopement) E(xplorations) using N(atural) E(xperiments) the project gathers 9 partners, from 6 countries including Tunisia, Turkey, Serbia, Italy, France, and Slovenia, to build sustainable urban environments and address the challenges posed by increasing urbanisation and the effects of climate change.

Eurisy Shaping Europe’s Future at the 16th European Space Conference

With a stand and animated sessions, Eurisy was on all fronts during the 16th European Space Conference. The two-day event was an opportunity for European space actors to engage in insightful discussions and debate on the future of the European space sector, as this year's sessions and discussions were driven by the theme 'Shape Europe's Future'.

Video on the Living Labs Methodology from the THETIDA Project

Kicking Off the SpaceSUITE Project in Genoa

Eurisy, together with 27 partners, kicked off the new SpaceSUITE project in Genoa (IT) with partners from Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Slovenia and Estonia from February 1st to 2nd, 2024. The meeting was hosted by the Geographical Information Systems International Group (GISIG).

Eurisy Members’ Corner: Focus on the FFG Austrian Research promotion Agency.

This Member’s Corner aimed to showcase how visual arts and innovative educational activities can unlock the mysteries of data and make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.  As stated by Andreas Bauer, “Art not only educates, but also sparks curiosity, inviting individuals to delve deeper into the variety of topics that Earth Observation can contribute to.” The multidisciplinary aspect of Space was in the spotlight, emphasizing how this domain, which might look like the realm of scientists from the outside, is inherently present in so many other disciplines and realities. From this viewpoint, the creative sector was presented as a powerful domain where innovative interconnections between Art and Space can be developed, which could be the key to a change in perspectives, helping people understand the importance of Space in their daily lives.