Director of the National Space Academy talks Global Space Education at Space Day of China 2019
- 23rd Apr 2019
Prof Anu Ojha OBE, Director of the National Space Academy, has been invited to lead a number of talks and sessions at the China Space Conference, part of Space Day of China 2019 from the 24th – 26th April.
The conference, which "serves as a window for showcasing achievements and a platform for external communication and exchange" is guided by the Chinese State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense; the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the China Association for Science and Technology. It is organised by the China Society of Astronautics and the China Space Foundation.Anu was invited by CNSA and the China Space Foundation to keynote at the main education event on Tuesday 24th April. He will talk about international space education collaboration for greater global inclusivity, prosperity and equality. Through a lecture and demonstrations, Anu will highlight international achievements for the advancement of space science with a focus on UK China collaboration.
To fully harness the potential for space as an educational enabler, Anu will say, a multitude of sustained and differentiated programmes for students and teachers are needed. These should be part of a high-level strategic platform with multiple stakeholders, enabling a genuine pipeline of talent development for educational institutions and Governments.
Further events are planned for the China Space Conference. The United Nations and CNSA are holding a conference on 25th April for 100 space leaders from 50 countries: 'China Forum on Space Solutions: Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.' As the UK representative, Anu will give a plenary presentation on the importance of Global Space Education and highlight some of the National Space Academy's work in China.
"It is important for space leaders across the world to share best practice in skills, satellite technology and applications, robotics and human spaceflight. In addition, space science has a unique and well-established ability to inspire students of all ages from primary school to University level." - Prof Anu Ojha
Anu will also lead a masterclass on teaching space science to 100 teachers selected from all over China, and conduct a student forum so that young people from schools across China can ask questions about the future of space science.
Prof Anu Ojha OBE is Director of the National Space Academy, a Director of the National Space Centre and an honorary professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University of Leicester. Anu is on the Space Exploration Advisory Committee for the UK Space Agency, and is a member of STFC Council and the ESA Human Spaceflight and Exploration Science Advisory Committee.
The National Space Academy use the inspirational context of space to teach physics, chemistry, biology, maths and engineering to 11 -19 year olds and their teachers. The team facilitate pathways into the space sector, working with many supporters within the space industry.
"It is in an honour to have been invited to speak and share ideas at the Space Day of China 2019, and to represent the UK in the UN- China Conference on Space for Sustainable Development Goals. I look forward to discussions about the future of space science with industry professionals, teachers and students. Science truly has no borders." - Prof Anu Ojha
Anu recently spoke at the Global Space Congress, hosted by the UAE Space Agency in Abu Dhabi.
If you are interested in booking Anu or another representative from the National Space Academy to speak at your conference or event, please email nsa@spacecentre.co.uk.
(Pictures: Prof Anu Ojha OBE presenting at the National Space Academy 10 year anniversary dinner)