A Reunion for Colleagues, a Platform for Experts, an Opportunity for Stakeholders: The International Space University Adelaide Conference for Idea Exchange and Public Engagement

Paper number

IAC-20,E1,7,14,x59248

Author

Mr. Scott Schneider, Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Moritz Mihm, Germany, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz

Coauthor

Ms. Erin Madden, Australia, Nova Systems

Coauthor

Mr. Michael Davis, Australia, Space Industry Association of Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Ben Adams, Australia, International Space University (ISU)/University of South Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Timothy Ryan, Australia

Year

2020

Abstract

International Space University (ISU) is a world-leading non-for-profit education institution. Supported by the space sector’s foremost experts and organisations, ISU runs several interdisciplinary programs annually around the world to foster the field of space exploration and support the development of humanity using space knowledge and space activities.
In 2020, ISU supported a small group of alumni to administer a first of its kind professional and community-centred event in Adelaide, Australia.  The ISU Adelaide Conference was established to discuss and communicate the benefits which space activities provide to society, and to do so through building connections between the diverse international community of ISU and the strong capabilities of Australia’s space sector.  The central theme of the inaugural session in 2020 explored solutions for environmental monitoring and disaster management, with a particular focus on wildfires. The event received great interest and important participation from Australian and international leaders in remote sensing and emergency services. Activities in the conference programme included industry tours and briefings from Australia’s leading industry, government and research organisations. The weekend registration was open to ISU alumni and professionals and enthusiasts from the wider space industry.  To meet the conference outreach goals, the programme encouraged the general public and community stakeholders to attend the conference’s Gala and the distinguished speaker event.  This unique mix of the ISU environment, established space players, emerging space organisations and the stakeholders benefited by space solutions created the integral dynamic for this non-traditional event.
The ISU Adelaide Conference was considered a success insofar as the post-event support from attendees, sponsors and collaborators encouraging future sessions take place. This success was achieved not least due to the strong sponsorship, collaborative efforts and in-kind support received from government, research, industry and space community organisations.  This paper will provide an overview of the conference objectives, the programme and the outcomes to demonstrate how this new ISU forum contributes to space education and outreach.

Abstract document

IAC-20,E1,7,14,x59248.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-20,E1,7,14,x59248.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.