Action Futures-oriented Governance of Outer Space: Towards Peace, Equity, and Environmental Integrity
We are now accepting calls for Short-Term Scientific Missions: Are you a researcher working on space policy, space futures, or similar topics, and would like to undertake a research visit to a scientific institution in another country? Check our conditions and eligibility criteria, and get in touch with us!
Review the Call document here: FOGOS STSM grants April 2025 (PDF)
Are you a researcher working on outer space policy, governance, or futures, and want to present your work at an international conference?
Apply now for up to 2000 euros in funding to support your participation. Applicants must be affiliated with an institution in a COST Inclusiveness Target Country (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Serbia, Türkiye, or Ukraine) or Near Neighbor Country (Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Faroe Islands, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, or Tunisia).
For further info, see the document on our webiste
Lausanne, Switzerland — March 27–28, 2025 — Leading voices in space policy, research, and sustainability convened in Lausanne for the kick-off event, Space Sustainability: Bridging Initiatives and Perspectives. The one-and-a-half-day workshop was co-organised with the Secure World Foundation and eSpace – EPFL Space Center, and in partnership with the European Research Council (ERC) PlanetStewards Project and the International Telecommunication Union.
The event brings together experts, policymakers, and social scientists for an in-depth analysis of current space sustainability capacity-building initiatives. Participants assess existing approaches, identify synergies and gaps, and introduce new perspectives to strengthen the field. A key aim is to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation in the pursuit of sustainable practices beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Discussions centered on aligning the diverse concepts of space sustainability addressed by various initiatives and enhancing cooperation among stakeholders.
Organisers extended special thanks to Emmanuelle David, Ian Christensen, and Action Working Group Leader Johannes Schmied for their contributions to the event’s development.
Brussels, 8 October 2024 — The members of COST Action CA23118 officially launched their initiative during a successful Kick-Off meeting held in Brussels. The gathering marked the first in-person meeting for participants and set the foundation for the Action’s collaborative work ahead.
During the meeting, key leadership positions were confirmed. Dr. Florian Rabitz from Kaunas University of Technology was elected Chair of the Action, with Dr. Xiao-Shan Yap from Utrecht University appointed as Vice-Chair.
Leadership for the Action’s two Working Groups was also established. Dr. Johannes Schmied of Nord University will lead Working Group 1, focusing on communication and policy engagement. Dr. Rakhyun Kim of Utrecht University will head Working Group 2, dedicated to conceptualisation and synthesis.
To further strengthen the Action’s organisational structure, Dr. Mariano Soler Porta from the University of Málaga was appointed Science Communication Coordinator, while Professor Besa Shahini from Universiteti i Tiranës will serve as Grant Awarding Coordinator.
The Kick-Off meeting provided an important opportunity for members to align on objectives and operational strategies, setting a strong collaborative tone for the years to come.