We are pleased to share the final instalment of our four-part series profiling the new faces we have welcomed to our premises in Vienna over the last several weeks. In addition to the new hires resulting from our International Recruitment Campaign launched earlier this year, we have also welcomed three visiting experts from Japan, Italy, and South Korea to join our team for short research stays. Similar to our new hires, we wanted to get to know them a little better and ask them what they’re most looking forward to here at ESPI and what they got out of their experience.
Welcome to Part 4!
We are happy to share the three visiting experts who we have, or will soon, welcome:
- Takumi Kato, Visiting Expert from from Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
- Elisa Leoni, Visiting Expert from the University of Turin.
- Seorim Lee, Visiting Expert from Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).
Takumi Kato is a Visting Expert from Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), which is mainly responsible for national science and technology policy, including space policy and the oversight of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). From 2020 to 2022, he served at the National Space Policy Secretariat of the Cabinet Office in Japan, where he was involved in implementing Japan’s Space Basic Plan, particularly in the areas of space exploration and the development of the commercial space sector. After returning to MEXT, he contributed to policy formulation and implementation for the advancement of critical and emerging technologies, including space, ocean, and cyber technologies. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in electrical engineering from Keio University, Japan. His doctoral research focused on optical communication technology achieved with silicon-based microfabricated devices.
Elisa Leoni is a Ph.D. candidate in Legal Studies for Innovation at the Centro Alti Studi per la Difesa (CASD) – University of Turin (UNITO) and holds a Master’s degree in Emergency Governance from the University of Verona. Her Ph.D. research explores the principle of the peaceful uses of outer space in the contemporary context, assessing its resilience and effectiveness in light of emerging threats.
Seorim Lee was born in Geneva, Switzerland, and raised in Australia, the US, France, the UK, and the Republic of Korea. He has developed a diverse background spanning multiple countries and cultures. He holds a Ph.D. in science and technology policy from KAIST, a master’s in satellite communications engineering from the University of Surrey, and a bachelor’s in computer science from KAIST. His career began in the satellite sector at KAIST’s Satellite Technology Research Center, where he helped develop and operate South Korea’s first satellites. He then transitioned to the commercial sector with SK Telecom, where he contributed to the world’s first personal digital multimedia broadcasting service. Since 2005, he has been with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), focusing on national space policy, international cooperation, and technical support for space programs. His journey with Vienna began in 1985 during an international math competition, later continuing with significant contributions to UNOOSA space initiatives. After several visits, his most recent trip in 2025 to ESPI marked a special milestone, celebrating his 40-year connection with Vienna.
Read Part 1 here, Part 2 here, and Part 3 here.
