From 2 to 4 September 2026, around 100 participants and keynote speakers gathered in Alba for the first edition of the Space It Up! Young Minds Summer Forum, a three-day event combining scientific exchange, interdisciplinary discussion, career orientation and networking.
The Summer Forum was designed as a space for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career researchers to meet beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines, share their work and perspectives, and reflect together on some of the key challenges shaping the future of the Italian and European space ecosystem.
Connecting beyond disciplines
The Young Minds Summer Forum combined the learning experience of a summer school with the scientific exchange of a research forum. Participants worked across three thematic areas: Advanced Space Systems, Mission Operations & Sustainable Materials; Earth & Planetary Science; and Moon-to-Mars Exploration & Human Presence.
The Summer Forum opened with five-minute pitches, during which participants presented their research, shared expertise and explored connections across different space domains. The scientific programme was enriched by keynote contributions from experts from academia and industry, providing different perspectives on current research, technological developments and future challenges.
The exchange continued through Working Groups and roundtable discussions with senior researchers and experts, encouraging participants to move beyond the technical dimension of their research and consider its broader impact.
Questions such as what should be prioritised, who should act, at what level and which trade-offs need to be addressed guided the discussion, connecting scientific expertise with strategic thinking about the future of the space sector.
Giving Young Minds a voice
One of the main objectives of the Summer Forum was to give a new generation of researchers an active role in the discussion.
Rather than simply attending presentations, participants were invited to contribute their own perspectives, exchange ideas and work together on concrete recommendations. The outcomes of the Working Groups were presented during the final day, bringing young researchers’ perspectives into a broader discussion on future priorities for the Italian and European space ecosystem.
Career orientation and networking
Alongside the scientific programme, the event also focused on career orientation and professional development, creating opportunities for participants to engage directly with representatives from the space industry.
Dedicated company talks and a Career Corner offered young researchers the opportunity to learn more about different career paths, meet professionals working in the sector, share their CVs and receive direct feedback.
Space was also dedicated to informal networking and social activities, allowing conversations and connections to continue beyond the working sessions. A guided walking tour of Alba, a welcome tasting and a social dinner offered participants and speakers the opportunity to connect in a more relaxed setting.
A positive response from the community
The first edition of the Young Minds Summer Forum received very positive feedback from participants, confirming the value of creating dedicated opportunities for young researchers within the Space It Up! community.
The post-event survey showed a high level of satisfaction with the overall experience, as well as strong interest in participating in future editions and other Space It Up! initiatives.
The Young Minds Summer Forum was therefore not only an opportunity to share research, but also a space to connect disciplines, turn scientific expertise into broader perspectives and give Young Minds a voice in shaping the future of the Italian and European space ecosystem. The event reflects the broader ambition of Space It Up! to attract, connect and empower a new generation of researchers, strengthening the Italian space ecosystem and its future.
The panel discussion and a selection of photos from the Space It Up! Young Minds Summer Forum are available at the following link.
