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Empowering the Next Generation of Space Professionals

πŸ“… 23rd October 2026

πŸ“In-person and remote (Global Access) | Space Park, Leicester

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DiSC 2026 Overview

Diversity in Space Careers (DiSC) is a one-day conference promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the space sector. Through talks, panels, and workshops, it supports underrepresented groups & students to inspire the next generation of space professionals.

What To Expect

Responsive Event Cards

🎀 Keynote Speakers

Industry leaders sharing insights on diversity in space careers.

πŸ’¬ Panel Discussions

Interactive talks on breaking barriers and building inclusive teams.

🀝 Networking

Connect with peers, mentors, and potential employers.

🎯 Workshops

Hands-on activities and skill-building sessions.

Meet Our Speakers

Learn from leading voices across industry, academia, and beyond.

Keynote Speakers

Meganne Christian
Meganne Christian
Satellite Applications Catapult
Find out more
More About Libby.

Dr Meganne Christian is a European Space Agency reserve astronaut and Beyond Earth Mission Manager at the Satellite Applications Catapult, having previously served as Senior Exploration Manager at the UK Space Agency. She holds a PhD in Industrial Chemistry from the University of New South Wales. Between 2014 and 2023, she conducted materials science research at Italy’s National Research Council, including parabolic flight campaigns testing graphene for satellites.

Her experience includes overwintering in Antarctica as Concordia Station’s atmospheric physicist. In 2022, she was selected from 22,500 applicants as part of ESA’s first new astronaut class in 13 years.

Talk Title: From Antarctica to Space

Talk Blurb:Β Dr Meganne Christian will recount 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, also known as "White Mars". 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 the Satellite Applications Catapult.

Featured Speakers

Bethan.McAulay - Bethan McAulay
Bethan McAulay
Astroscale
Find out more
More About Rudi.

Bethan heads up talent for leading space sustainability company Astroscale in the UK, and has worked in the space industry for over 7 years. Her prior recruitment career spans many industries, and she studied for Bachelors and Masters degrees in Psychology at the University of London.

Bethan is passionate about skills development, early careers and supporting access to the space industry for more than just engineers! Her recent achievements include roles within the Space Skills Advisory Panel, and Advanced Manufacturing Equality Taskforce, delivering a world-first In-Orbit Servicing Graduate Scheme, and founding an HR Community for the UK Space Industry – ConstellHR.

Talk Title: You Don't Have to Fit in to Belong

Talk Blurb: Space can seem intimidating from the outside, especially if you don't fit the 'usual mould'. This talk will look at the difference between belonging and fitting in, why we need diverse perspectives, and some takeaways that can help you as you start to shape your career in space.

Effex1 - Lily R. Asongfac
Lily R. Asongfac
SpaceVrse Pte Ltd
Find out more
More About Lily.

Lily is a telecommunications engineer and space advocate from Cameroon, committed to advancing space development and STEM education in Africa.

She is the founder of the Aerospace Baby Project and International Account Manager at SpaceVrse, where she supports partnership in the space industry. A 2023 TechWomen Fellow, she interned at NASA JPL and Jacobs Aerospace, and currently serves as National Point of Contact for Cameroon at the Space Generation Advisory Council. Recognized among the β€œTop 10 Women Engineers to Know” by SWE, Lily is passionate about empowering youths to lead in science, technology, and space exploration.

Talk Title: A Space for Black Voices - Panellist

Talk Blurb: This panel will spotlight the experiences and successes of Black professionals in the space sector, focusing on how their identities have shaped their journeys. Through personal stories and honest discussion, the panellists will explore themes of representation, inclusion, and inspiration, highlighting how the industry can build pathways that empower Black voices and contribute to a more equitable future in space.

Bethan.McAulay - Bethan McAulay
Bethan McAulay
Astroscale Ltd
Find out more
More About Bethan.

Bethan currently heads up talent for leading space sustainability company Astroscale across the UK and France, and has worked in the space industry for over 6 years.

Her prior recruitment career spans many industries, and she studied for Bachelors and Masters degrees in Psychology at the University of London.

Bethan is passionate about skills development, early careers and supporting access to the space industry for more than just engineers! She has provided guidance to NASA on inclusivity measures in their Science mission portfolio, delivered two graduate schemes for Astroscale UK, and co-founded a best practice network for HR professionals in the space sector - ConstellHR.

Talk Title: Am I Being Unreasonable? Workplace Adjustments, and You.

Talk Blurb: Sharing an overview of reasonable adjustments in the workplace, best practices, tackling these conversations as an applicant and employee.

IMG_1099 - Daniel Akinwumi
Daniel Akinwumi
Dreamerboy Space Technology
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More About Daniel.

Daniel Akinwumi is a Space-Tech innovator and founder of DreamerBoy Space Technology. With a background in physical sciences, mechanical and space systems engineering, he leads the company’s bold mission to pioneer lunar cargo logistics.

Daniel combines deep technical knowledge with strong business acumen and is passionate about hydrogen, nuclear, and plasma propulsion technologies.

Talk Title: A Space for Black Voices - Panel Moderator

Talk Blurb: This panel will spotlight the experiences and successes of Black professionals in the space sector, focusing on how their identities have shaped their journeys. Through personal stories and honest discussion, the panellists will explore themes of representation, inclusion, and inspiration, highlighting how the industry can build pathways that empower Black voices and contribute to a more equitable future in space.

Dr Noelia NoΓ«l
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More About Noelia.

Noelia is an astrophysicist whose work bridges cultures, disciplines, and sectorsβ€”championing equity in STEM and sustainable practices in astrophysics and space.
Founder of the Surrey Physics Academy, she has created inclusive pathways into science for underrepresented groups and developed social justice curricula and EDI training adopted across departments.

Recognised for her impact with the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Award, finalist for the DITA Awards 2024 and the Employee Networks Award 2025, as well as nominated for the National Diversity Awards 2024.

Talk Title: A Case for Change: Inclusive Science Education through the Surrey Space, Maths & Physics Academy

Talk Blurb: Persistent inequities in Astronomy, Space, and Physics continue to marginalise students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. In this session, I present the Surrey Space, Maths & Physics Academy β€” a grassroots initiative designed to widen participation and foster belonging through inclusive, community-driven science education.

Launched in 2022, the Academy delivers co-created summer schools, public engagement, and sustained outreach with a focus on girls, first-generation, ethnic minority, and neurodiverse students. The approach centers on local context, student voice, and collaboration with schools, charities, and science organisations.

This case study shares lessons learned in designing, delivering, and sustaining inclusive practice without core funding. I will reflect on the challenges of embedding equity into institutional culture and invite discussion on how similar models can be adapted across the astronomy and geophysics communities.

IMG_4128 - Colin Philp
Colin Philp
British Interplanetary Society
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More About Colin.

Colin is the president of the British Interplanetary Society. He is a lifelong space enthusiast who watched the Apollo moon landings as a child. He hopes to see humans on Mars in his lifetime.

Talk Title: Art, Culture and Space

Talk Blurb: The talk will explore how art and culture has both inspired and reflected space exploration and how imagination and creativity continue to shape our understanding of space.

AF - Athina Frantzana
Dr Athina Frantzana
New Voices in Space - Space Scotland
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More About Athina.

Athina is an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) expert with a science background. As Chair of Space Scotland’s New Voices in Space, she promotes diverse voices in the space sector and champions inclusive access to space careers. Athina developed a successful workshop and coaching program on managing imposter syndrome, supporting early-career professionals and underrepresented groups in building confidence. Her work combines STEM expertise with a passion for inclusion, helping create a space sector where everyone can thrive.

Workshop Title: Yes, you can! - Managing Imposter Syndrome

Workshop Blurb: This interactive workshop is designed to help individuals better understand and manage imposter syndrome through guided self-reflection. Participants will explore what imposter syndrome is, why it occurs, and how it often affects high-achievers. Through reflective exercises, participants will identify personal experiences of self-doubt, recognise their strengths, and learn how to reframe negative thought patterns. The session offers practical strategies to build confidence, develop a growth mindset, and navigate academic and career paths with greater clarity and self-belief.Β 

Who Should Attend?

πŸŽ“ Students

Students pursuing degrees interested in space careers.

🌟 Recent Graduates

New professionals looking to break into the space industry.

🀝 DEI Practitioners

Professionals working on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

πŸ“š Educators

Teachers and academics promoting STEM education.

Feedback From Previous Years

"I really enjoyed all the talks, I was planning to drop in and out but every time the next speaker came on I wanted to listen to them!"
"Insightful, inclusive and diverse. True to the theme of the conference."
"I honestly thought it was incredible. Seeing so much representation from minority groups and everything was spoken about and explained so well and respectfully. It improved my knowledge on difficulties minority groups face every day and why there is a need for diversity in the workplace."
"I enjoyed hearing about the speakers' scientific careers and how they intersect with their identities, and their reflections on being a minority in STEM."

DiSC 2026 Timetable

Click the button below to find our timetable.

Get the Timetable Here

DiSC Highlights From Previous Years

DiSC Is Sponsored By

and Supported By

β™Ώ Accessibility Commitment & Hardship Support

Our Accessiblity Commitment

DiSC 2026 is committed to full accessibility. Our venue is wheelchair accessible, all sessions include live captioning, and we offer both in-person and hybrid participation options to ensure everyone can be part of our community.

Hardship Fund

We also cover travel expenses for those who are unable to cover the costs. Click the button below to apply.
Apply for Travel Bursary

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Ticket Cards
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Organised by UKSEDS Diversity & Advocacy Team

DiSC 2026 is proudly organised by the UKSEDS Diversity and Advocacy Team, dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities in space education and careers. Our mission is to ensure that the space industry reflects the diversity of our society and provides equal opportunities for all aspiring space professionals.

Getting to the Venue

Please note that limited parking is available at the venue and cannot be guaranteed, so using public transport is highly recommended.

Venue: The conference will be held at Space Park Leicester (92 Corporation Road, Space City, Leicester, LE4 5SP) β€” a world-leading hub for space research, technology, and innovation situated just north of Leicester city centre, located right next to the National Space Centre.

Nearest Transport:

  • Train: Leicester Railway Station is approximately 2 miles away, served by frequent East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry services. From the station, you can easily take a short taxi or local bus connection.

  • Bus: Local bus routes (such as the First Bus 54 or the Skylink Derby) stop nearby along Abbey Lane and Corporation Road, providing regular links to and from the city centre and Haymarket Bus Station.

  • Driving & Parking: Space Park Leicester is easily accessible from arterial routes and the M1. Please note that limited parking is available at the venue and cannot be guaranteed, so using public transport is highly recommended.

Have Any Questions?

Reach out to us using our email – [email protected]Β 

Check out our previous conference here!

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