RAL Space Early Careers Conference 2026
When:
6th November 2026, 9:30am to 5pm
Location:
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory / Online
The RAL Space Early Careers Conference brings together the early career community to build connections, celebrate achievements and explore the future of space together.
This year we ask: what drives the future of the space industry? New technologies, growing commercial markets and changing international priorities shape what we do and the skills we will need in the future. We will explore what those changes mean for the next generation of the space community, and the role early careers people have in defining and delivering sector strategies.
Using the UK and ESA as a starting point, we will look beyond individual disciplines to consider the bigger picture. What opportunities and challenges will define the sector over the next 5 to 15 years? How will new technology change the way we use space? Which skills and cross-sector collaborations will we need, and where can early career professionals contribute?
Through talks, discussions, networking and opportunities to share work at this conference, the UK’s national space lab is bringing together people from STEM, business, government and the wider community. Whatever your area of expertise, we invite you to see where your work fits within the space sector, connect with us and consider how you can help shape the community’s future.
Theme: The Strategies and People Shaping the Future of Space
Audience: Early‑career people within or looking to work with the space sector. Participation from outside the sector is encouraged, especially non-STEM disciplines aligned with current skills gaps. It is also expected that attendees will include those with backgrounds already well represented in the sector. Please note that, with exception of STFC Apprentices, you must be aged 18+ to attend this event.
Present at the Conference: Posters must have enough content relevant to the theme for a 5-minute talk, brought to the event pre-printed in A2-size.
Programme
9:30am: Registration + Coffee
10am: Introduction
Conference Organising Committee – RAL Space
10:30am: Understanding Space Sector Strategies
Annalisa Donati: Senior Strategic Coordination Officer, European Space Agency
Billy Bryan: Senior Position, Navigation and Timing Manager, UK Space Agency
Joe Embley and Topaz Brownhall: Space Partnership Coordinators, Space Partnership
12:00pm: Lunch + Posters
An opportunity for conference members to network and present short form talks on their work and experiences relevant to the theme. Applications for these slots are available via the ticketing link.
1pm: Skills, Pay & Jobs Panel
Representatives from the UK Civil Service, Aerospace Primes, Universities and start-ups share their thoughts on future jobs and compensation.
Nicole Melzack: Senior Thermal Engineer, RAL Space, & Prospect Union Rep
James Clark: Apprenticeship Programme Manager, Airbus Defence and Space
Annalisa Donati: Senior Strategic Coordination Officer, European Space Agency
Andrea Cammarano: Head of the Astronautics Research Group, Southampton Space Institute
Derek Polowyj: Ecosystem Development Manager, UK Space Agency
2:20pm: Poster Competition Conclusion + RAL Tours
3:30pm: Implementing Career Strategies
Expert consultants offer advice for ‘What Where How’ of a career in the space sector.
Eloise Trimingham: Senior Consultant, Know.Space
Joel Freedman: Head of Innovation Services, Catapult
4:30pm: Closing Remarks
5pm: Post Conference Social @ DiSH
