Overview
The Space It Up! Young Minds Summer Forum is a three-day event designed for early-career researchers working on space-related topics comining the learning experience of a summer school with the scientific exchange of a research forum.
Participants will share their work, exchange perspectives across disciplines, and contribute to shaping the future of Space It Up! and the wider space ecosystem.
The programme will explore three key thematic areas:
– Advanced Space Systems, Mission Operations & Sustainable Materials
– Earth & Planetary Science
– Moon-to-Mars Exploration & Human Presence in Space
What to expect
Research Pitches
Share your research in a short, focused pitch within your chosen thematic area.
Thematic Working Groups
Mentor-guided group sessions to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and develop concrete insights and recommendations
Keynote Talks
Leading experts from academia and industry present real-world perspectives and applications across each thematic area.
Final Presentations
Each group presents their key outcomes and takeaways at the closing session.
Career Day & Networking
Connect with leading space industry companies and HR representatives during dedicated networking sessions
Panel
A dedicated panel exploring how policy, regulation and international cooperation shape the future of space research and innovation and why governance is becoming an essential dimension of every space career.
Who should attend
PhD students
Postdoctoral researchers
Early-career researchers
Open to participants from Italy and abroad, across all disciplines related to space.
Location
Alba, Piedmont
Nestled among the vineyards and rolling hills of the Langhe region, Alba is a setting that encourages both focused work and genuine exchange, a refreshing alternative to traditional conference venues.
Historic venue
A unique setting in the heart of the medieval town centre.
Langhe region
Vineyards, rolling hills, and the home of Barolo wine.
White truffle capital
Alba is world-famous for its annual truffle fair and cuisine.
Thematic areas
Advanced Space Systems, Mission Operations & Sustainable Materials
This thematic track will focus on the future of Advanced Space Systems, Mission Operations and Sustainable Materials, bringing together perspectives on next-generation spacecraft platforms, distributed space systems, mission autonomy, deep-space exploration, digital engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Discussions will consider how innovative platforms, resilient materials, autonomous operations, digital twins and AI-enabled design tools can support European priorities in space sustainability, mission reliability, industrial competitiveness and future exploration capabilities.
Earth & Planetary Science
This thematic track will focus on the future of Earth and Planetary Science, bringing together perspectives on Earth Observation, natural hazards, environmental monitoring, space weather, planetary environments and the protection of critical space and ground infrastructures.
Particular attention will be given to the broader strategic relevance of these areas, including how next-generation observation systems, data-driven services and forecasting capabilities can support European priorities in climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection and space safety.
Moon-to-Mars Exploration & Human Presence in Space
This thematic track will focus on the future of Moon-to-Mars exploration and human presence in space, bringing together perspectives on robotics, planetary science, habitats, resources, human health and enabling technologies for long-duration missions. The theme will provide a platform to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with sustainable human and robotic exploration beyond Earth.
Each thematic track combines three moments: participant pitch presentations, keynote speeches from academic and industry experts, and a collaborative working group facilitated by the keynote speakers.
Working groups will produce a set of recommendations reflecting the views of young professionals on the future of the European space sector.
Speakers
Career Day
Career Boost with Dockto
DocKto is a small organisation with extensive experience in promoting the value of doctoral studies and research experience beyond academic borders, as an asset for organizations and society.
It was founded by an anthropologist and an astrophysicist, both PhD holders, who have personally navigated the transition from academia to the job market and have built up a decade’s worth of experience in helping others make the same transition, working in recruitment and selection for innovation roles, in the management of corporate research projects, in innovation management, in the training and development of start-ups, and finally specializing in training and career guidance.
Through DocKto, they make this expertise available to organizations and individuals, supporting the career paths of PhD students and postdocs in collaboration with numerous Italian universities and institutions, through classroom-based courses in career management and communication, one-to-one consultations, career guidance services and training programme design.
Career Corner with Revolv Space
Space assets and services are not fully monetized. Commercial payloads on board small satellites, like cameras, sensors, and antennas, work for less than 20% of the time spent in orbit due to limitations in small satellite buses. At Revolv Space, we are solving this problem by designing, manufacturing, and testing the next generation of critical components enabling continuous payload operations and full monetization of space assets.
Funding Opportunities for Researchers: MSCA & ERC
Programme
Registration Package
One fee, everything included-
Event registration
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3 nights accommodation (Check-in 1 Sep, check-out 4 Sep 2026)
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Coffee breaks & lunches
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Welcome cocktail & social dinner
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AIDAA membership 2026
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Delegate bag
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Guided tour of Alba
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
Organized with the support and collaboration of AIDAA
