From 6 to 12 September 2026, UNIDIR’s Space Security Research Fellows travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, for a week of educational and professional activities, engaging directly with UNIDIR leadership, diplomats, UN officials and industry specialists working on outer space security.
UNIDIR’s Space Security Research Fellowship is a year‑long programme designed to equip early-career space security professionals with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving outer space environment. Fellows come from a diverse range of countries and academic backgrounds.
The recent gathering in Geneva provided an important opportunity for Fellows to engage directly with UNIDIR’s space security team, as well as with practitioners from States, international organizations, academia and the private sector. Coming together in person created space for the kinds of conversations, exchanges and sharing of insights and experiences that can be difficult to achieve by virtual means.
Experiencing the international community
On the first day, the Fellows were welcomed at the Palais des Nations, where they held an interactive session with UNIDIR’s Director, Dr Robin Geiss, and the Head of UNIDIR’s Space Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction Programmes, Dr James Revill. They then heard from Michael Spies, Deputy Chief of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Geneva Branch. During these sessions, the Fellows learned firsthand from those who support multilateral space processes.
Next, they took part in a guided tour of the Palais des Nations, followed by a luncheon with experienced diplomats actively engaged in disarmament negotiations. During this unique opportunity for exchange, the diplomats generously shared their perspectives on the current challenges facing disarmament diplomacy, including those related to multilateral processes on space security.
The first day continued with a visit to the Permanent Delegation of the European Union to UN Geneva, where they heard from Klemen Polak, the Head of the Disarmament Section, on the challenges of addressing disarmament issues relating to conventional arms, emerging technologies, outer space security, and nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
The following two days were dedicated to the Outer Space Security Conference 2026 (OS26), which featured a diverse cohort of experienced professionals from 94 countries, participating both in person and online. The Fellows engaged actively throughout the event, asking insightful questions and connecting with participants during the breaks. Through their active participation and exchanges, they contributed to the success of OS26.
Discovering industry and academic perspectives
The Fellows then headed to the nearby city of Lausanne for a highly interactive exchange at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where they were welcomed by Emmanuelle David, Executive Director of the EPFL Space Center. There, they learned about how academia is contributing to space situational awareness and space sustainability.
This was followed by a visit to the private company ClearSpace, which is developing active debris removal systems for on-orbit operations, putting space sustainability into practice. The Fellows gained a deeper understanding of the engineering, policy and business challenges behind operations in space. The engagement also underlined the importance of greater transparency and access to satellite data, including model information and optical markers that can make missions and sustainability efforts both easier and safer.
Engaging with global institutions in the space governance landscape
The last day began with a visit to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The visit included a tour of the ICRC Museum, which showcases the history and worldwide humanitarian action of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This was followed by an interactive discussion with Mauro Vignati, an ICRC Advisor on Digital Technologies of Warfare, who explored the intersection between space security and International humanitarian law, as well as outlining the ICRC’s contributions to the Open-ended working group on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects.
The Fellows’ final appointment of the week took them to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), where Senior Radiocommunication Engineer, Véronique Glaude, walked them through the ITU’s history and its current role within the UN system. Fellows also learned how the ITU functions and manages increasingly congested resources, whether in terms of orbital slots or the electromagnetic spectrum.
UNIDIR, and the Space Security Fellows in particular, would like to thank all of the organizations and individuals who shared their valuable time and expertise throughout the course of the week. The Fellows gained new knowledge, insights and practical experience, ending the week with renewed motivation to further develop their independent research and their careers. The UNIDIR Space Security Programme aims to continue receiving support that will allow this initiative to continue in the coming years, furthering UNIDIR’s goal of cultivating and amplifying diverse expertise from new generations to ensure the sustainable and peaceful use of outer space.
