We speak with Grace Portolesi, Executive Director of The Andy Thomas Space Foundation for an update on the 16th Australian Space Forum to be held in Sydney for the first time, 5-6 December, 2023.
The Forum will host a UK space industry delegation, including the CEO of the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate. Dr Bate has been CEO of the UK Space Agency, an Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), since September 2021.
Prior to this, Paul was Vice President, Commercial at Babylon Health, working with healthcare organisations in the NHS and across the world. Before that, he was the Executive Director of Strategy and Intelligence at the Care Quality Commission.
As a civil servant, he was the policy adviser for health and adult care for the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 – 2013. Paul has a PhD in Particle Physics.
Grace also updates us on the ‘Kids in Space’ program being held nationally. The Andy Thomas Space Foundation in partnership with the Australian Space Agency is engaging 65+ schools across each state and territory in a space themed, technology-based, design thinking project – delivered by Australian-owned and operated EduTech start-up, Makers Empire.
With over 3,000 primary students and 300 teachers involved, this innovative program allows younger students to engage with the nation’s growing space ecosystem. Kids in Space will see participating schools each receive a 3D printer, along with access to a custom designed space-themed virtual challenge course comprising purposed-made videos, quizzes, tutorials, and Design Thinking challenges delivered via the popular Makers Empire 3D design app. Moreover, the program will provide certified professional development training for up to five teachers per school, allowing the learning to continue long into the future.
For further information visit:
https://www.makersempire.com/atsf-lau…
https://forum.andythomas.foundation/1…
