The conversation focused on everything that lies behind the slogan “Space is for All” – with particular attention to practical initiatives that encourage young people (and others) to learn more about space and even consider trying their hand in the space industry.
As Katarzyna Cieślak pointed out during the discussion, space is not just about engineering. The space sector also needs specialists in areas such as social sciences, psychology, and education. It is precisely this interdisciplinarity – present in content creation, research, and communication – that expands the development potential of the entire industry.
Research conducted at AGH among STEM students shows that a strong stereotype still persists: space equals “rocket science” – a field only for the select few. As a result, despite high interest in space-related topics, many people don’t see a real place for themselves in the sector. That’s why – as Katarzyna Cieślak emphasized – it’s so important to showcase diverse career paths and inspiring examples of people already working in the space industry, who can encourage others to give it a try.
The conversation also explored initiatives carried out under the UNIVERSEH program, aimed at opening the space sector to new people and perspectives. These include Space LESSONS delivered by AGH students in high schools, as well as a course on diversity and inclusion designed for academic staff from universities within the UNIVERSEH consortium. In the background of the interview, you can see posters created for the “More Space for Space” competition, which promotes diversity, openness, and sustainability in the space sector.
Want to learn more?
Watch the second episode of Space TALK here. The videocast was created in collaboration between the UNIVERSEH Students Local Team at AGH and UNIVERSEH WP4: Inclusion, Diversity & Sustainability.
