The First Space Summer School for Postgraduate Students held at Durham University

However, the wide range of opportunities offered by this development is not always apparent to young researchers in academia and beyond. On September 11-15, 2023, the first Space summer school for postgraduate students sponsored by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) was held at Durham University. The summer school entitled “Space Technology Applications in Science and Industry” was jointly organized by Associate Professors Hermine Landt-Wilman, James Osborn and Richard Wilman from the Physics department, Prof Atanu Chaudhuri from the Business School and Prof Anthony Yeates from the Department of Mathematical Sciences. It offered a multi-disciplinary overview on space research in academia and the related activities in industry as well as addressed the regulatory framework for space-related activities. The lectures provided a comprehensive overview of the broad range of opportunities offered by the exploration of space and the latest developments across several disciplines and sectors. The participants were able to develop their knowledge further during workshops, with additional sessions on public outreach, careers options and resilience during post-graduate studies enhancing their skill set. One afternoon was reserved for a visit to a handful of SMEs active in the space sector and headquartered at the nearby North East Technology Park, Sedgefield. The Space summer school was very well received and we hope to be able to repeat it in the future!