In the framework of the 18th European Space Conference, SPACE4GEO brings together policy makers, academia, industry and networks to discuss one of the most pressing challenges for the European space sector: skills.

The event will explore current and upcoming initiatives supporting the development of a skilled, resilient and future-ready space workforce, with a focus on up-skilling, re-skilling and talent attraction across the space downstream and geoinformation domains.

Highlights include:
🔹 An overview of SPACE4GEO activities and next steps, presented by Milva Carbonaro (GISIG Geographical Information Systems International Group)
🔹 Insights into the GeoSpace Body of Knowledge and ecosystem of tools, with Rob Lemmens (University of Twente)
🔹 A policy perspective on Skills for Space from Tomáš Halaška (DG DEFIS, European Commission)
🔹 An update on EU Space Networks, connecting initiatives and stakeholders at European level presented by Theodora Antoniou (DG DEFIS)

🗣️ The event will conclude with a panel discussion on “Closing the skills gap: which actions for a skilled workforce and how to attract and retain talents?” featuring contributions from:
Tomáš Halaška,
Stefan Lang (Universität Salzburg),
Annamaria Luongo (ALSO Space),
Grazia M. Fiore (FDC/ Space Y),
James Francis (European Space Policy Institute (ESPI)),
Moderated by Milva Carbonaro.

📅 28 January 2026
⏰ 14:30 – 16:30 CET
📍 SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre, Brussels – Room Studio 311

The event is open to all stakeholders interested in space data, services and applications.