Noordwijk, 16 kwietnia 2024

Top student projects showcased in leading space centres

17 April 2024

The winning teams of the Direction: Space contest – HematopoiesISS studying hematopoietic stem cells, AGH Space Systems' GraviTE Team conducting research on stem cells in microgravity, and LASPA which focuses on the use of laser light to stimulate seedlings in space – have started their study trip to Europe's leading space centres. During the week-long journey, they will present and consult their projects with experts from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

The study trip for the Direction: Space winners takes place as their next step on the road to develop experiments feasible to conduct aboard the International Space Station (ISS). On the first day, student teams had the unique opportunity to present their projects at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, the most significant unit of the European Space Agency. ESTEC, an important hub for space projects and technology development in Europe, has been instrumental in the design and testing of numerous ESA satellites and space probes. Students showcased their work garnering feedback and insights from seasoned specialists involved in advancing space technology.

In the days ahead, participants of the study trip will continue their adventure as they explore other prominent European space and scientific institutions. Their itinerary encompasses a visit to the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, where astronauts undergo rigorous training for missions to the International Space Station. They will also visit the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland, renowned for its groundbreaking research on elementary particles.

This trip is not only a chance to gain knowledge but also an opportunity to make valuable contacts in the space industry. Undoubtedly, it will contribute to the further development of young talents and the realisation of their ambitious projects, including efforts to conduct experiments aboard the ISS

– says Milena Ratajczak, PhD from the New Space Foundation which co-organizes the Direction: Space contest.

Direction: Space is a unique initiative for students and doctoral candidates from Polish universities, designed to inspire young people to create innovative research projects that could be implemented on the International Space Station (ISS). The contest was initiated by Sławosz Uznański, PhD, ESA Project Astronaut from Poland. With his support and that of experts from the space sector, Direction: Space allows young scientists representing various disciplines to build their projects using the potential offered by space exploration.

The top-performing teams were selected by the contest jury, composed of space sector specialists led by Anna Fogtman, PhD from the European Space Agency. The projects underwent evaluation based on scientific rigour, technical readiness of the experiment, as well as the essential elements of team organisation and project management within the space sector.

The best teams received mentorship, a grant for the development of a prototype experiment and an opportunity to develop their concepts during a study trip to CERN, ESA ESTEC and ESA EAC. The study trip will last until April 21. After returning, the winning teams will continue working on the prototypes.

The organisers of the Direction: Space contest are the Empiria i Wiedza Foundation and the New Space Foundation. The contest was announced during the European Youth Capital Lublin 2023 celebrations and the winners were introduced during the Space Week of the European City of Science Katowice 2024. The contest is organised in partnership with the European Space Agency's Direction Earth/Space initiative, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Science Now studio. The Prime Minister of Poland, the Ministry of Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland, the BGK Bank and the Polish Space Agency provided the honorary patronage for the contest.

More about the project can be found at: https://www.directionearth.space/en/competition

Media Contact
Szymon Maliszewski
szymon.maliszewski@sciencenow.studio
+48 694 452 241

Maciek Myśliwiec
maciek@spaceagency.biz
+48 884 778 177

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About New Space Foundation
The New Space Foundation is a non-profit organisation that, since 2013, has supported space exploration by implementing cross-sectoral projects and combining social, scientific and economic development potentials. The foundation supports initiatives involving science, as well as pioneering projects combining areas such as R&D, science diplomacy, science education and popularisation, art & science, social innovation or entrepreneurial development.

About the Empiria i Wiedza Foundation
The Empiria i Wiedza Foundation was set up by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego to build and develop the potential of Poland's social capital and build a better future for Poland by investing in education, based on equal opportunities in access to it. The Foundation educates young people and students in economic knowledge, finance and banking. It promotes and disseminates expert economic knowledge to all social groups in an accessible way, as well as raising the level of education, promoting and implementing new technologies in this field.