The event brought together doctoral students from universities belonging to the UNIVERSEH alliance for an intensive week dedicated to space technologies, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
The event combined lectures, practical workshops, networking activities, and cultural experiences, creating an inspiring environment for young researchers interested in the future of the space sector.
Participants attended a series of lectures delivered by internationally recognized experts from academia and industry, including:
- Prof. Tadeusz Uhl (AGH University of Krakow) – Why Space Robotics?
- Dr. Miguel Olivarez Mendez (University of Luxembourg) – Sustainable Space AI-Robotics: How AI and Space Robots Can Promote Sustainability in Space Activities.
- Dr. Seiko Piotr Yamaguchi (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency – JAXA) – Social Robots on the International Space Station.
- Prof. Karol Seweryn (Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences & AGH University of Krakow) – Payload Design Practice.
- Dr. Maximo Roa (German Aerospace Center – DLR) – Manipulation for In-Space Operations and Services.
- Jarosław Jaworski (Redwire Space Europe) – In-Space Robotics Services: Opportunities for the Brave in the New Golden Space Era.
The program also included VR workshops, a session on communicating science in a multicultural environment, and networking events. Participants were also invited to the Doctoral Day organized at AGH University of Krakow during the same period, which gave them an opportunity to meet and interact with PhD students from AGH.
A key element of the Spring School was the hackathon conducted by Dr. Justyna Topolska, Faculty Broker of Innovation, which encouraged the exchange of ideas among participants from different countries.
Participants also had the opportunity to explore Poland’s growing space sector through a study visit to Warsaw, including visits to PIAP Space and Astronika. They also had the chance to discover Kraków through organized sightseeing activities.
The week concluded with a Students’ Conference. We hope that the Spring School was a valuable experience for all participants and that it may lead to future international collaborations!