Guidance for making a nomination
Published 23 October 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/space-exploration-advisory-committee-call-for-membership-nominations/guidance-for-making-a-nomination
Closing: Friday 6 December 2024 at 4pm
The coming years hold great potential for space exploration. The UK has a vested interest, both from academic and industrial sectors, in initiatives like the Lunar Gateway and Mars Sample Return. The tenure of SEAC members will coincide with a crucial period as the UK’s goals for future exploration are established. SEAC plays a vital role in advising the UK on its strategy and priorities for space exploration.
The Committee’s responsibilities include providing advice on UK participation in European exploration programmes (such as Mars exploration, microgravity environments including those undertaken on the International Space Station, and Lunar exploration) as well as national activities that support these programmes. SEAC is composed of representatives from both academic and industrial communities, covering a wide range of relevant fields like biomedicine, fundamental physics, robotics and autonomy, and space science.
1. Who we are looking for
We are looking for people who can represent their specialist area through the lens of human and robotic exploration, highlighting the UK’s activities in this sector (both nationally and via ESA), as well as aligning with the government’s scientific and technological goals.
We require a broad range of specialisms and seek five new members to support the Exploration programme from March 2025 and complement the Committee’s already wide level of expertise.
We are seeking individuals capable of showcasing their expertise in human and robotic exploration,
Five positions are tied to academic specialisms:
- microgravity science and experimentation (life sciences)
- lunar science and exploration
- industrial representative (large scale) - technology
- industrial representative (SME) - technology
- academia representative - technology
Membership is undertaken as a two-year term with meetings held three times a year. The next SEAC meeting will be held on Wednesday 19 March 2025 in Harwell (virtual attendance possible), and we encourage new members to ensure their availability around this date.
2. How to apply
Suitable candidates are expected to be based in the UK and demonstrate scientific expertise in a space-related discipline.
Nominations should be made by email, no later than Friday 6 December 2024 at 4pm to the email address below with the subject line: ‘SEAC Nomination March 2025’, and include the following information:
- name
- organisation
- research/science interests
- short summary of relevant experience (100-200 words)
- brief relevant CV (maximum 2 pages)
The five specialist roles are also expected to:
- have experience of working with international space programmes (eg, ESA, NASA)
- possess a broad understanding of the UK R&D landscape
- be knowledgeable about the political and strategic challenges of work in this area, at both a national and international level
It is also preferred (but not essential) that candidates have:
- experience in similar advisory roles for government or public entities (eg, government agencies, research councils, funding organisations).
For nominations or more details about the SEAC and its membership, please email the Exploration mailbox at Spaceexploration@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.