The European Space Agency (ESA) supported five tertiary education students to take part in the International Space Education Board (ISEB) Student Programme during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5 to 9 October 2026. Alongside presenting their research at the congress, the students joined an international cohort for activities designed to strengthen professional networks, encourage intercultural exchange and connect the next generation with leaders from the global space community.
The International Space Education Board brings together space agencies committed to cooperation in space-related education and to supporting the future workforce needs of the space sector. Held alongside the annual International Astronautical Congress, its Student Program complements the congress through activities tailored specifically to tertiary education students.
In 2026, 44 students supported by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and Azercosmos took part in the programme. Representatives from Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also contributed to programme activities.
An international start to the week
The programme began on 4 October with an Orientation Day, giving students the opportunity to meet before the official opening of IAC 2026. Icebreaking and team-building activities encouraged participants to learn about each other’s academic backgrounds, cultures and areas of interest.
Students who were not presenting within the official IAC programme also introduced their work to the group. These presentations offered an accessible overview of research and projects across a range of disciplines while creating opportunities for questions and exchanges between peers.
The connections established during Orientation Day helped students navigate the congress as part of an international community. Throughout the week, they could exchange recommendations, attend sessions together and discover topics beyond their own fields of study.
Sharing research at a global congress
All five ESA-sponsored students presented their research as part of the IAC programme. Their participation gave them the opportunity to communicate their work to an international audience, receive feedback and engage with researchers and professionals working across the space sector.
Beyond their own sessions, the students attended technical presentations, plenaries and networking activities covering the latest developments in space science, engineering, exploration, policy and applications. This wider exposure placed their academic work within the broader international space landscape and opened possibilities for future exchanges and collaboration.
Students in dialogue with space leaders
A highlight of the week was the ISEB Heads of Agency Interactive Session on 7 October. Open to the wider student audience at IAC, the session brought together senior representatives from CSA, CNES, ESA, JAXA, NASA and Azercosmos.
Rather than following the format of a conventional plenary, the discussion centred on questions developed and submitted by students. This student-led approach created a direct exchange on the priorities, challenges and future direction of the space sector, while allowing participants to hear perspectives from several agencies in one setting.
The ESA-sponsored students also took part in a dedicated question-and-answer session with Jean-Luc Trullemans, incoming ESA Director of Strategy, Legal and External Matters. Held at the ESA stand, the discussion gave the students an opportunity to explore ESA’s strategic priorities and to ask questions about international cooperation, policies and careers.
Connections extending beyond IAC
The programme concluded with the ISEB closing event on 8 October. Students and agency representatives came together to reflect on the week, recognise shared achievements and consolidate the connections developed in Antalya.
By combining research presentations, peer exchange and direct interaction with space leaders, the ISEB Student Programme added an international and collaborative dimension to the students’ IAC experience.
Through its participation in ISEB and its sponsorship of students at IAC 2026, ESA continues to support tertiary education students in presenting their work, expanding their networks and engaging directly with the international space community. These opportunities help equip emerging professionals with the knowledge, confidence and connections needed to contribute to the future of the space sector.
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