RAL Space Early Careers Conference 2026

The RAL Space Early Careers Conference brings together the early career community to build connections, celebrate achievements and explore the future of space together.

Due to overwhelming demand, we have already sold out in-person tickets. Find tickets for virtual attendance below: https://buytickets.at/stfcralspace/2372513

This year we ask: what drives the future of the space industry? New technologies, growing commercial markets and changing international priorities shape what we do and the skills we will need in the future. We will explore what those changes mean for the next generation of the space community, and the role early careers people have in defining and delivering sector strategies.

Using the UK and ESA as a starting point, we will look beyond individual disciplines to consider the bigger picture. What opportunities and challenges will define the sector over the next 5 to 15 years? How will new technology change the way we use space? Which skills and cross-sector collaborations will we need, and where can early career professionals contribute?

Through talks, discussions, networking and opportunities to share work at this conference, the UK’s national space lab is bringing together people from STEM, business, government and the wider community. Whatever your area of expertise, we invite you to see where your work fits within the space sector, connect with us and consider how you can help shape the community’s future.

Conference Briefing

Theme: The Strategies and People Shaping the Future of Space
Date: Friday November 6, 2026 [09:30-17:00]
Where: R112 Visitor Centre, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK

Audience: Early‑career people within or looking to work with the space sector. Participation from outside the sector is encouraged, especially non-STEM disciplines aligned with current skills gaps. It is also expected that attendees will include those with backgrounds already well represented in the sector. Please note that, with exception of STFC Apprentices, you must be aged 18+ to attend this event.

Present at the Conference: Posters must have enough content relevant to the theme for a 5-minute talk, brought to the event pre-printed in A2-size, either portrait or landscape.

Additional Information

The conference is free to attend but all other arrangements (accommodation and travel) must be made individually by attendees. Tea/coffee and lunch will be provided at the conference. There will be an option to sign up for a site tour on the day, numbers are limited so it will be first come first serve on the day.

Contact

If you have any further questions regarding the RAL Space Early Careers Conference 2026, then please email the conference committee: ralspaceecc@stfc.ac.uk

Programme

9:30 Registration and Refreshments

10:00 Introduction
Madeleine Russell: Head of Strategic Engagement and Communications, RAL Space
Beth House: Associate Director (International), STFC

10:30 Understanding Space Sector Strategies

Annalisa Donati: Senior Strategic Coordination Officer, European Space Agency
Billy Bryan: Senior Position, Navigation and Timing Manager, UK Space Agency
Joe Embley and Topaz Brownhall: Space Partnership Coordinators, Space Partnership

12:00 Lunch and Poster Competition
An opportunity for conference members to network and present short form talks on their work and experiences relevant to the theme.

13:00 Skills, Pay and Jobs Panel

Nicole Melzack: Senior Thermal Engineer, RAL Space, & Prospect Union Rep
James Clark: Apprenticeship Programme Manager, Airbus Defence and Space
Annalisa Donati: Senior Strategic Coordination Officer, European Space Agency
Andrea Cammarano: Head of the Astronautics Research Group, Southampton Space Institute
Derek Polowyj: Ecosystem Development Manager, UK Space Agency Accelerator

14:00 Harwell Site Tours

RAL Space
ESA Conference Centre
ESA Vulcan Lab
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Magdrive
ESA-RAL Advanced Manufacturing Lab
Oxford Space Systems

15:30 Implementing Career Strategies

Expert consultants offer advice for ‘What Where How’ of a career in the space sector.

Eloise Trimingham: Senior Consultant, Know.Space
Joel Freedman: Head of Innovation Services, Satellite Applications Catapult
Emma Johnson: Independent Project Professional

16:15 Goal Setting with Personalised Career Advice

16:45 Closing Remarks

17:00 Social Networking and Drinks @ DiSH Harwell