Training Schools

Specialised programmes for connecting professionals with space

Overview

The ESPI Training School is a flagship initiative designed to equip diverse professional communities with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of space activities and their intersection with policy, society, and industry.

Building on ESPI’s 2040 vision—Space for Prosperity, Peace & Future Generations—the Training School recognizes that realizing the full potential of space requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Space is not just a domain for scientists and engineers; it is increasingly central to journalism, policymaking, legislative processes, and broader societal challenges.

For more information about our Training Schools, or if you have questions, please contact:

2025 Training School on Space Journalism

ESPI and LUISS School of Journalism Data Lab are pleased to launch the first European training school for journalists, “From Space Journalism to Satellite Journalism: The Big Picture”, a pioneering initiative designed to equip media professionals with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of space activities and space data-enabled journalism.

This two-day intensive program free of charge for journalists, will equip participants with the skills to analyze, interpret, and report on space-related news, helping them to navigate the complexities of the industry and its impact on society. Led by renowned space experts and media professionals, the programme will offer hands-on training to help journalists produce high-quality, insightful reporting on space affairs and policy.

Themes of the training school will include:

  • Foundational knowledge.
  • Best practices for reporting on space.
  • Deeper understanding of the role of space applications in society.

Learning outcomes of the training school will include:

  • Gain foundational knowledge of the technical, political, industrial, economic, and societal dimensions of space activities.
  • Master best practices for producing high-quality and insightful reporting on space affairs.
  • Learn to access, use, and interpret space-based data in journalistic work.
  • Build networks with space professionals to deepen sector knowledge.

Call for Applications

Selection Procedure:

  • Eligibility: Open to working, professional journalists.
  • Selection: A maximum of 20 participants will be selected.
  • Required Documents:
    • Resume;
    • Reference Letter from a media organisation, editor, or industry professional; and
    • Two samples of work (newspaper/media articles).

Selection Criteria:

  • Proved journalism experience and professional background;
  • Motivation explaining interest in space journalism; and
  • At least one endorsement from referees (e.g., newspaper editor).

Timeline:

  • Application Deadline: 11 June 2025 (applications now closed).
  • Communication to Successful Applicants: 18 June 2025.
  • Confirmation of Participation by Selected Candidates: 4 July 2024.

Costs

  • The Training School is free of charge for professional journalists who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Up to four press officers from industry and/or the public sector will also be selected for the Training School, and if selected, will incur a fee of €2.000.

Travel & Accommodation

  • Participants are kindly requested to arrange their own travel and accommodation (please note that we can offer a discounted rate for hotel accommodations).

Past Trainers

We welcomed the following esteemed experts as trainers for the 2025 Training School for Space Journalism.

  • Peggy Hollinger Space Industry Editor, Financial Times
  • Frediano Finucci Head of the Economic and Foreign Affairs Desk, TG La7 News
  • Sinead O'Sullivan Economist, Harvard Business School’s Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness
  • Augusto Cramarossa Head of Strategic Coordination Office, ASI
  • Giovanni Laneve Earth Observation Satellite Images Applications Lab, Sapienza University of Rome
  • Marco Langbroek Lecturer of Optical Space Situational Awareness in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology
  • Markus Payer Founder & Director, WaveL; former communications executive in the space industry
  • Alessandra Tassa Copernicus User Expert, ESRIN
  • Anu Ojha, OBE Director of Championing Space, UKSA
  • Lt. Col. Ferdinando Dolce Head of Space Situational Awareness and Space innovation Section, II Dept. of National Armament Directorate, Italian MoD
  • Hermínia Saraiva Communication Officer, Portuguese Space Agency
  • Gianni Riotta Director, LUISS Data Lab
  • H. Ludwig Moeller Director, ESPI
  • Marco Aliberti Associate Manager and Lead on International Engagement, ESPI
  • Tomas Hrozensky Senior Research and Lead on European Engagement, ESPI
  • Bianca Santi Research Fellow, ESPI