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Empowering the Next Generation of Space Professionals

πŸ“… 23rd October 2025

πŸ“In-person and remote (Global Access) | Burlington House, London – Home of Royal Astronomical Society

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DiSC 2025 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

Portraits of Libby Jackson, Head of Space in the Exploring Space Gallery within the Science Museum (SCM). Photographed in front of the Luner Excursion Module (LEM) and the Soyuz Module on the 13th May 2025
Libby Jackson
Science Museum
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More About Libby.

Libby Jackson OBE is Head of Space at the Science Museum. Libby plays a key role in the museum’s space-related public engagement activities and supports the museum’s curators to acquire new space technologies for the national collection.

Libby is one of Britain’s leading experts in human spaceflight, having spent nearly two decades working at the forefront of the field in mission control and management roles, including as the UK Space Agency’s Head of Space Exploring, Programme Manager for the hugely successful education programme for Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station, and as a Flight Director for the Columbus module, Europe’s laboratory on the ISS.

Talk Title: Some Lesser Known Stories of Space Exploration

Talk Blurb: Libby Jackson explores the remarkable history of human spaceflight, inspired by her books A Galaxy of Her Own and Space Explorers.

She shares stories of resilience and ingenuity, shining a light on the unsung heroes whose contributions have shaped space exploration. With a look to the future, Libby highlights how inclusion and collaboration will drive the next giant leaps beyond Earth.

Anushka Sharma
Naaut / London Space Network / Space Academic Network
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More About Anushka.

Anushka Sharma is a leading voice in space innovation and inclusive technology strategy. As Liaison Manager for the Space Academic Network (SPAN), she connects academia, industry, and government to embed UK research in space policy and capability planning. Her work spans Earth Observation, Space Science and Engineering, the Space Environment, and Space for Society.

Anushka is founder of Naaut, a space tech and innovation consultancy, and Co-founder and Strategic Lead of the London Space Network, a 2,000-strong community. She also sits on the Oversight Committee for the UK’s Square Kilometre Array Regional Centre and is a regular media commentator and award-winning founder.

Talk Title: Inclusion as Infrastructure: Building Space Futures through Change, Innovation, and Community

Talk Blurb: Space is often called the final frontier β€” but the real frontier is structural: who gets to design, access, and benefit from the sector. In this keynote, Anushka Sharma explores how structural change, innovation, and communities shape diversity in space careers.

Drawing on her work with the Space Academic Network, Naaut, and the London Space Network, she will show why inclusion isn’t a β€œnice-to-have” but an essential capability for growth, resilience, and innovation in the space sector.

Featured Speakers

RUDI PAGE - RUDI PAGE (MCW)
Rudi Page
Space Pathways Ecosystem
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More About Rudi.

Rudi Page, a Policy Implementation Specialist and Sector Development Strategist, is recognised for innovative problem-solving and delivering results-focused frameworks across systems, institutions, and teams in the UK, Caribbean, and Africa.

Known for transforming complex challenges into practical solutions, he promotes capacity building, local economic development, and cross-regional connectivity.

His work emphasises collective responsibility and consensus-building, ensuring policies and services create meaningful, sustainable impact.

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.

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Ahlam Abdi
UK Space Agency
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More About Ahlam.

Ahlam is the Space Science Programmes Officer at the UK Space Agency, where she manages UK contributions to flagship international missions with ESA, NASA and JAXA, including Solar Orbiter.

She works within the Space Science Team to deliver national programmes that empower UK researchers to deliver world-class science. She previously worked in the Agency’s Exploration team on missions linked to microgravity environments, the Moon and Mars.

As Executive Trustee at UKSEDS, she has championed diversity and inclusion, inspiring students and early-career professionals to pursue careers in space and helping the UK sector thrive on a broad range of talent and perspectives.

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.

MVL - Marieta Valdivia Lefort
Marieta Valdivia Lefort
Royal Astronomical Society
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More About Marieta.

Marieta is the Policy and Diversity Officer at the RAS. She oversees the RAS policy-related work in different areas, including national and international regulatory frameworks for protection of astronomy, funding for science and science policy, satellite constellations and interference on optical and radio astronomy, space science, institutional EDI-related framework, among others.

Talk Title: Updates to the RAS's EDI institutional framework

Rob Brougham_photo - Rob Brougham
Rob Brougham
Braided.Space
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More About Rob.

Rob gained a degree in Astrophysics from Newcastle University and later held senior commercial and technical roles in telecommunications prior to a move into digital health.

He co-founded braided.space, which invented a solution to the problem of communication delay on future deep space missions, now successfully tested in studies funded by The UKSA, ESA and NASA.

The same invention was adapted to create highly efficient and inclusive communication on Earth too, β€˜Braided Meetings’, and also led directly to a meeting efficiency training course, β€œGreat Minds do NOT Think Alike”.

Talk Title: Great Minds do NOT Think Alike

Talk Blurb: Space Braiding is designed so future astronauts in deep space can stay in meaningful contact with friends, family and colleagues, despite the latency caused by great distance.

It works because it can maintain psychological synchrony and co-presence even when all communication is affected by time delay. These insights gave us a unique perspective on the challenges of creating efficient and inclusive communication in meetings on Earth too.

The β€œGreat Minds” talk will share some of these insights, giving you powerful new techniques to deploy in your work.

A Space for Black Voices - Cora D
Coraline Dalibot
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More About Caroline.

Coraline Dalibot is a Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer at RAL Space department of the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the UK Research and Innovation.

Her passion for space and career journey led her to be a mentor, an EDI advocate, a member of the Women In Aerospace Europe and Royal Aeronautical Society as well as a chartered engineer contributing to major space missions.

As a STEM ambassador supporting events like the UKSEDS Rover competition and β€œGuess my job” sessions at schools, she fosters initiatives raising awareness about career aspirations, technological advancement, and lessons learned within the space sector.

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.

Effex1 - Lily R. Asongfac
Lily R. Asongfac
SpaceVrse Pte Ltd
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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
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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.

NOe_pint_of_Science - Noelia Noel
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 Highlights From Previous Years

DiSC Is Sponsored By

and Supported By

β™Ώ Accessibility Commitment & Hardship Support

Our Accessiblity Commitment

DiSC 2025 is committed to being fully accessible. Our venue is wheelchair accessible, we provide live captioning for all sessions, and offer both in-person and hybrid participation options to ensure everyone can join our community.

Astroscale Hardship Fund

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

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Organised by UKSEDS Diversity & Advocacy Team

DiSC 2025 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.

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