Leicester conference will empower the next generation of space professionals
A major conference will help people in underrepresented groups to discover how they can break into the space industry.
The Diversity in Space Careers (DiSC) one-day conference is being organised by the UK’s national student space society, the UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS) in collaboration with Innova, to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the space sector.
It will take place online and in-person at Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s £100m space research, innovation and teaching hub, on Friday, October 23, and highlights will include talks by industry leaders and a European Space Agency reserve astronaut.
Dr Genovefa Kefalidou, Assistant Professor in Human-Computer Interaction and College of Science and Engineering Director of Equality Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Leicester, said:
"This is a fantastic event which is designed to inspire underrepresented groups and students to join the next generation of space professionals.
“Industry leaders will share valuable insights on diversity in space careers and there will be interactive talks on breaking barriers and building inclusive teams.
“Other highlights will include workshops featuring hands-on activities and skill-building sessions and there will be opportunities to network with peers, mentors and potential employers.”
The event’s keynote speakers are Satellite Applications Catapult’s Beyond Earth Mission Manager Dr Meganne Christian and Bethan McAulay, who heads up talent for leading space sustainability company Astroscale.
Dr Christian will share the experiences that led her to be selected as a member of the European Space Agency astronaut reserve, from materials science studies in microgravity to a year working at Concordia Station in Antarctica, one of the most remote places on Earth. She will describe her experiences as a woman in STEM, the tough astronaut selection process and her hopes for the future, as well as the work she is doing on in-space manufacturing at Satellite Applications Catapult.
Bethan McAulay has had roles within the Space Skills Advisory Panel, and Advanced Manufacturing Equality Taskforce, delivering a world-first In-Orbit Servicing Graduate Scheme, and founding ConstellHR, an HR community for the UK space industry. Bethan’s talk will look at the difference between belonging and fitting in, why diverse perspectives are needed and will provide advice to help delegates to start to shape their career in space.
DiSC is aimed at students, recent graduates, teachers, academics and professionals who work on diversity and inclusion initiatives. To find out more about DiSC and to register, visit https://ukseds.org/ignition/disc-2026/
To explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products, visit space-park.co.uk or to learn more about the University of Leicester visit le.ac.uk/.
Main image: Attendees at DiSC 2025 Conference
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