Europlanet supports evidence-based policy, informing policy makers on the scientific, industrial and socio-economic impacts of planetary science, at European and national level.

Europlanet is also engaging with the planetary science community raising awareness of political developments and encourages its engaging with policy makers and industry across Europe.The Europlanet 2024 Research Infrastructure (Europlanet 2024 RI) is the culmination of a series of projects funded by successive European Union Framework Programmes (FP6, FP7 and H2020) to build a research infrastructure integrating planetary science across the European Research Area.

The Europlanet Society, launched in 2018, structured around 10 Regional Hubs and it aims to build sustainable capacity and cascade expertise in stakeholder engagement through the European planetary community.

Europe has world-leading facilities and the largest international community of planetary scientists, comprising over 1000 tenured academics and around 5000 early career researchers spread in more than 200 research groups/ institutions. Investment by the European Union through FP6, FP7 and Horizon 2020 with over €28 million has played a vital role in building a coherent, well-networked and collaborative planetary community that can fully exploit its resources. Horizon 2020 has widened the scope of the EU’s space program and enabled the space science community to enhance return on investment in missions and facilities and strengthen European expertise.

Looking ahead to the next Multiannual Financial Framework, there is a clear opportunity for lawmakers and stakeholders to recognize the essential role of space as a strategic asset for Europe and its Member States, and raise awareness of the opportunities to fully develop and exploit the potential of European Space Programs.

Europlanet 2024 RI delivers access to virtual services and transnational access to the world’s largest collection of planetary simulation and analysis facilities. Europlanet is equally well placed within the Horizon Europe strategic objectives, focusing on industrial applications, development of digital technologies, EO services, AI and machine learning.
Europlanet strongly encourages collaborations between the planetary science community and industrial partners across Europe, in particular with SMEs and partners located in Widening Participation countries. Europlanet’s industry team is supporting the development of this programme through networking events (workshops and online meetings) to showcase successful collaborations and the associated benefits to all parties involved.

The Europlanet Industry & Policy Session aims to bring together policymakers, planetary researchers, and entrepreneurs to debate on the future of planetary and space research in Europe.

AGENDA
15:30 Welcome by Europlanet 2024 RI

15:35-15:40 "The Essential Role of Planetary Science and Space Exploration”
Dimitris Papadimoulis, MEP EL, EP Vice President

15:40-15:45 “Space policy and technology in broader EU policies”
Ville NIINISTÖ, MEP FI

15:45-15:50 “More science, less fiction”
Niklas Nienaß, MEP GE

15:50-15:55 “EU Space Policy”
Michal Spiechowicz, European Commission (DG DEFIS)

15:55-16:00 “Cooperating with SMEs - a researchers perspective”
Jörn Helbert, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Department Head Planetary Laboratories

16:00-16:05 “ESA's achievements in planetary sciences”
Fabio Favata, European Space Agency, Head of the Strategy,
Planning & Coordination Office Directorate of Science

16:10-16:15 “Geological mapping, industry and ISRU”
Angelo Pio Rossi, Jacobs University Bremen

16:15-16:20 “Supporting science exploration from the perspective of a Prime”
Laura Gatti and Giovanni Martucci, Thales Alenia Space and ALTEC

16:20-16:25 “Industry perspective in the context of data analysis”
Jeronimo Bernard-Salas, ACRI-ST

16:25-16:30 “Industry/academic collaboration on science satellites in Hungary”
Tamás Barczy, Admatis Ltd.

16:30-17:00 Debate

17:00 Close