As part of its long‑standing commitment to fostering international engagement, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) is pleased to announce the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flinders University for a further three years. This renewed agreement reinforces the successful collaboration launched in 2023 and expands the joint activities undertaken between the two institutions.
A core component of the cooperation is the ESPI–Flinders traineeship programme, through which students from the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies travel from Adelaide to Vienna to spend 8 to 12 weeks at ESPI. The programme provides hands-on experience in space policy, space law, and space governance, while giving students the opportunity to contribute to ESPI-led research activities.
This year, ESPI welcomed Jessie Hill to participate in the traineeship. As part of the programme, she further developed her understanding of space policy frameworks and functions, working with the exploration and science division as part of the Institute’s ongoing collaboration with Flinders University.
“My time at ESPI has been deeply rewarding and genuinely impactful. Working alongside a team of people who are passionate about making a difference has allowed me the opportunity to grow my confidence, skills and perspective on space policy. I’m truly grateful for this experience and everything I’ve learned along the way.”
The continuation of the traineeship programme reflects ESPI’s broader mission to support educational activities and cultivate the next generation of space policy professionals. Students benefit not only from immersion in ESPI’s interdisciplinary research environment, but also from engagement with policymakers, academics, and practitioners across Europe’s space sector.
Looking ahead, the renewed MoU introduces an important new dimension to the partnership: the launch of a research fellowship programme that will allow ESPI researchers to travel to Adelaide for six weeks each year. This initiative will deepen bilateral knowledge exchange, broaden research cooperation, and strengthen ESPI’s global outreach activities.
“Our partnership with Flinders University has created a truly meaningful bridge between Europe and Australia for young professionals entering the space sector. Extending the traineeship and launching joint research and engagement activities will reinforce our objective of bringing the European and Australian ecosystem closer together, towards new level of collaboration and federation"
“Australia and Europe share core values and democratic ideals, and closer cooperation between the two has become fundamental for these values and ideals to continue thriving. The relationship between the Jeff Bleich Centre and ESPI has real-world impact on young students, emerging researchers, and senior leaders engaged in space policy, space law and space governance. It is a fantastic example on how Australia and Europe can work closely together to achieve significant impact.”
The renewed agreement between ESPI ,and the Jeff Bleich Centre of Flinders University will continue to support joint studies, academic exchanges, conferences, and workshops conducted in both Europe and Australia.
