New Partnership Allows Graduates to Make their Mark in Space
21st June 2016
A new partnership between the Irish Research Council and the European Space Agency (ESA) will give Irish science and engineering graduates a chance to make their mark in the field of space exploration.
Details of the partnership were announced today by Dr. Eucharia Meehan, Director of the Irish Research Council, and Jan Woerner, Director General of the ESA. Over the next five years, the ESA will host up to 10 Irish trainees in its centres across Europe, providing opportunities to work on projects covering topics such as human spaceflight, the launch and operation of unmanned exploration missions to other planets and the Moon, Earth observation, science and telecommunication, and designing launch vehicles.
Holders of postgraduate qualifications in science and engineering will be able to apply for a place on the prestigious training programme through a competitive process run annually by the Irish Research Council. Successful applicants will receive a stipend from the Council to cover living and accommodation costs for the duration of the traineeship. All trainees will be assigned an ESA tutor to support, supervise and guide them throughout their traineeship.
Announcing details of the partnership today, Dr. Eucharia Meehan, Director of the Irish Research Council, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for science and engineering graduates. The European Space Agency has responsibility for drawing up and implementing the European space programme. Its work is focused on finding out more about Earth, its immediate space environment, our solar system and the universe. It also develops satellite-based technologies and services, promotes European industries, and works closely with space organisations outside Europe.
“Space exploration is one of the most thrilling and attractive sectors for science and engineering graduates. We are delighted to be embarking on this partnership, which will allow Irish graduates in these sectors to get involved in cutting-edge space research projects on the international stage.”
Further information on the work of the Irish Research Council and the ESA is available at www.research.ie and www.esa.int/ESA.
(Pictured L-R: Dr. Eucharia Meehan, Director of the Irish Research Council; and Jan Woerner, Director General of the ESA.)
