The Chairs of the Congress Sessions
. Bernard Foing | . Prof. Foing is executive director of ILEWG International Lunar Exploration Working Group, and manager of EuroMoonMars programme. Guest prof at VU Amsterdam/Leiden Observatory. Vice-chair of COSPAR Commission B (Moon, planets and small bodies) and PEX Exploration panel, chair of IAF ITACCUS, and member of several IAF committees. Full member of IAA since 2010. Former President of ESTEC staff committee (2012-2017), and former Chief scientist ESA ESTEC (2002-2018). He has worked at ESA Space Science Department at ESTEC (1989-2020), as visiting scientist, staff scientist, study scientist, Research Unit Coordinator, Project scientist and Chief scientist. Born in France, attended Ecole Normale Supérieure of Education & Technology, and became Professor Agrégé of Physical sciences. He obtained a PhD on Astrophysics and Space Techniques at CNRS, with research stays in the US (Lockheed, SacPeak, Boulder, Harvard). He worked 3 years in Chile as astronomer for ESO European Southern Observatory, and as Professor of Astrophysics. Permanent researcher at CNRS Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, he obtained the Habilitation for direction of research in 1990. See a detailed bio here. Also on Scolar Google and Wikipedia |
. Marie-Luise Heuser | . Dr. Marie-Luise Heuser studied philosophy, history, physics and mathematics at Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf/ Germany and completed her doctorate with a thesis on Schelling’s philosophy of nature and the physical theories of self-organization. She worked in research and teaching at the universities of Düsseldorf, Heidelberg, Stuttgart and Braunschweig. From 2002-2015 she was a research assistant at the Department of Philosophy at the Technical University of Braunschweig and organizer of the transdisciplinary cooperation “Culture and Space”. From 2015-2020, she headed the Department of Culture and Space at the Institute of Space Systems at TU Braunschweig. Since 2010 she has also been Managing Director of the Gesellschaft für Kultur und Raumfahrt e. V. (www.kulturraumfahrt.de), since 2020 Head of the Space and Culture Committee in the German Aerospace Society (DGLR), since 2022 Head of the Space Philosophy Laboratory of the Space Renaissance Academy, and since 2024 she has been delegate to UN COPUOS. Her research interests are: Classical philosophy of space flight from antiquity to modernity, metaphysics, ontology, anthropology, philosophy of nature and philosophy of art. Her publications include: Transterrestrialismus in der Renaissance (2008), Russischer Kosmismus und extraterrestrischer Suprematismus (2009), Space Philosophy (2016), Space Ontology and Space Travel around 1600 and 1900 (2016), Return to the Moon (2019), Husserl’s Phenomenology of Flight (2020), ‘Man is not only there for the Earth’. Schelling’s Philosophy of Space (2020), Zur Philosophie der Raumfahrt bei Günther Anders. Zwischen kopernikanischer Wende und Wiederverwurzelung (2021), Space Culture and Space Philosophy (2022) and together with Adriano Autino et al: A SRI position paper on the key critical issues toward 2030, 2024, ISBN 979-8879814286. |
. Thomas Matula | . Dr. Matula is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at Sul Ross State University - Rio Grande College. His research focus for the last 25 years has been on the economic space development, the most recent focus on lunar industrialization and the development of economically viable commercial space settlements. MBA, Ph.D. is Bachelor of Applied Science Program Supervisor at Great Basin College, Instructor Marketing and Management at Great Basin College, and Advisor / Investor at Astrosettlements. In his consulting work his focus has been on the application of innovations in the technology environment to business and the development of the space commerce industry. BGS in General Studies at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 1983. MBA in Management at New Mexico State University in 1986. He earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration at New Mexico State University in 1994 with the dissertation topic of Commercial Spaceports. |
. Ghanim Alotaibi | . Ghanim Alotaibi is active to expand human civilization into Outer Space. From 2009 to 2015, he worked with various groups and teams in Kuwait Oil Company. This gave Ghanim the opportunity to gain some knowledge about the oil industry, from exploration to exportation with a deepen knowledge in slickline and surface well testing operations. In 2017, Ghanim obtained his master degree in Photovoltaics after the completion of his master thesis in Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg. His thesis topic was about optimizing a solar simulator to measure a new concept of solar cells for space applications. In Summer 2018 Ghanim has proposed a CubeSat project to test a new concept of solar cells and for space capacity building for Kuwait University Students. In September 2019, the proposal was funded for space capacity building only. Ghanim was recruited in Kuwait University as a senior mechanical engineer handling several tasks for KuwaitSat-1. This job was the first space full time job in Kuwait's History. Due to the absence of the vast majority of the world population to think and take actions towards the expansion of human civilization into Outer Space, Ghanim has founded the "Moon Village - Participation of Emerging Space Countries" (MV-PESC). The project aims to involve everyone on the world on moon activities. As a scholar in Kepler Space Institute, Ghanim is interested on Space Based Solar Power and power generation on the Moon and Mars using ISRU. Since 2008 Ghanim was calling to establish a space program in Kuwait and was leading many activities to convince politicians to participate in COPUOS. Ghanim is the first analog astronaut in Kuwait with 3 different analog missions. In 2021, he initiated a new project linking arts with analog mission. This has opened the door for more analog astronauts from Kuwait. Ghanim was the project manager for SG[Kuwait] in April 2018. This particular event has created a significant momentum in Kuwait kick starting several other space activities in the country. Ghanim is a Member of the Space Renaissance International Board of Directors. |
. Maria Moukarzel | . Dr. Maria Moukarzel is a Paris-based dental surgeon and political scientist specializing in diplomacy and strategic negotiations. With a unique interdisciplinary background, she also holds a degree in humanities and philosophy, giving her a broad, human-centered perspective on complex global challenges. Dr. Moukarzel’s academic and professional work centers on the intersection of global health, diplomacy, and crisis management. She is particularly focused on how diplomatic strategies can strengthen international cooperation during health emergencies, pandemics, and other cross-border crises — a topic of increasing urgency in our interconnected world and, more recently, in the expanding domain of space exploration. Combining her medical expertise with political analysis, Dr. Moukarzel brings a rare and valuable voice to conversations about biosecurity, resilience, and innovation. Her work bridges the worlds of healthcare, international relations, and ethics, offering fresh insights into how multidisciplinary approaches can address the most pressing issues of our time. At Bioinspired Frontiers 2025, Dr. Moukarzel will present on “Biosecurity Beyond Earth: Health Diplomacy and Crisis Coordination in the New Space Era,” exploring how principles of global health diplomacy and bioinspired resilience can help humanity prepare for the unique challenges of space missions in times of crisis. |
. Jerry Stone | . Jerry Stone is a freelance presenter on astronomy & space exploration. He founded Spaceflight UK. Member of the British Interplanetary Society. He gave his first space talk at school back in 1969 when he was 14, and now he does this for a living, all over the UK and abroad. He also presents space workshops in schools across the UK, inspiring pupils with a range of space activities. He is often interviewed on TV and radio, and is the author of a book about the Moon landings -"One Small Step". He is described as "One of the leading speakers on space exploration". Jerry Stone has spoken on space exploration at many venues, including: The British Festival of Space The Edinburgh Festival The Farnborough Air Show The Mars Society Conferences in the UK, Belgium, France, The Netherlands and the USA Oxford University The Palace of Westminster The Royal Institution The Royal Observatory, Greenwich He was also interviewed for Blue Peter about how rockets work! The Linkedin profile. |
. Susan Jewell | . Susan Ip-Jewell MD, DCEG is a Space Medicine Physician-Scientist, Analog Astronaut, exponential technologist, entrepreneur. Official "SPACE COACH" for AFWERK empowered by USA SPACE FORCE and US Air Force. Dame Commander in the Order of the Eagle of the Kingdom of Georgia from Royal House of Georgia. Research focuses on space medicine, health, wellness, human factors and exponential technologies. CEO/Co-Founder of MMAARS,Inc, (Mars-Moon Astronautics Academy & Research Science) training commercial analog astronauts and developing the first Mars-Moon Settlement training facility in Mojave Desert (close Mojave Spaceport) in California, USA (formerly Mars Academy USA). Dr. Ip-Jewell is also Co-founder /CIO, of AvatarMEDIC.space. Recently graduated from Founder Institute (FI) Silicon Valley 2020 cohort and from Draper University Accelerator programs. A veteran analog astronaut, Susan pioneered first Mars "Station-to-Station" MARS MEDICS training missions with MAU-MDRS Crew 001, commanded missions from low-to high-fidelity locations under NEAMAE PROJECT (Nepal, Everest, Antarctica, Africa, Americas Mars Analog Astronaut Exploration Expeditions). Trained at National Institute of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI). Graduate of International Space University (ISU), recipient of Google Scholarship to attend Singularity University’s (GSP15). Graduated from Aston University, UK Ross University School of Medicine. Recipient of "Marie Marvinght Award in “Technologies and Innovations for Space" by Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA). Recipient of National Space Society (NSS) "Living in Space" Award for pioneering development of Lunar & Martian settlements. Founded The Clinic LLC, an Integrated Wellness & Telemedicine Center in LA. A complete bio here. Also see her Linkedin Profile |
. Amalie Sinclair | . Amalie was born in London where her parents met at art school over a game of chess. Her background is in the humanities and since an early age, she has been a student of the extant philosophies of Asia. In the 1970’s while living in Cambridge she developed a theoretical insight for the models of a deep semantic structure. In 1984 she located to California with her husband, a software engineer and family. In 2000 she wrote and successfully produced a Millennium intercultural arts performance. In 2004 Amalie was invited to advocate for the formulations of an advanced US Policy, and has since given various presentations to the Lunar Science and space exploration communities. Her interests are for cultural and economic development within the growing parameters of the space/information age capacities. Amalie is a naturalized US citizen. View her Millenium Inter-cultural performance April 2000 Marin CA photos. Read Lunar Light – Planetary Renewal – a Holistic Viewpoint, The Silent Star Ship, Not the Politics of Outer Space, and A Sestina on Space. Amalie is a member of the Space Renaissance International Board of Directors. She’s also Director of the Leeward Space Foundation. supporting efforts to help humanity become a space-faring race through exploration, commercialization, and colonization of our solar system and beyond. |
. Werner Grandl | . Werner graduated at the Technical University of Vienna in 1984, as architect and civil engineer. He published several papers on studies for space stations and space colonies, utilization of lunar and asteroid resource. Architectural design from conceptual to detailed. Consulting on construction matters, construction management and construction inspections. Scientific work: Astronomy and space travel, Studies and publications on space stations, space colonies, and the use of lunar and asteroid resources; International collaboration with universities. Space Renaissance International (SRI) Board of Directors. See Werner's Linkedin Profile. |
. Frank White | . Frank White, a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College, is a renowned author, space philosopher, and consultant who has written extensively on topics such as space exploration, climate change, and artificial intelligence. His most notable work is "The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution," which has become a seminal contribution to the field of space exploration. The book explores the profound cognitive shift that occurs when viewing the Earth from space and its implications for human evolution and space exploration. |
. Alberto Cavallo | . Alberto Cavallo is an Electrical Engineer, graduated at the Politecnico di Torino in 1985. He began his activity with designing electric systems in Fiat Engineering, the engineering and construction company of the FIAT Group, moving soon to control and automation systems in the same company. He was involved in all business areas of the company, which included revamping and new projects of car factories for the FIAT Group as well as large infrastructures, power and cogeneration plants for external clients. Among the projects of that time were the new FIAT factories in Melfi and Pratola Serra, the high speed railways Torino-Milano and Bologna-Firenze, the district heating system of Torino Sud, combined cycle power plants for several hundred megawatts in Italy and in Brazil. Since Fiat Engineering was transferred from the FIAT Group to a new EPC group and then merged with a large EPC company in Milan, he has been involved in large oil and gas and petrochemical projects all over the world. Besides his professional activity, he has always taken part in several cultural activities. He was a member of the Associations of Alumni of the Liceo Classico Vittorio Alfieri of Turin, active in promoting humanistic culture as well as its connection to the technical and scientific area. He manages his own website www.eurinome.it (in Italian only) about philosophy, science and politics/geopolitics. Due to this he got in contact with Adriano Autino and his TDF, then becoming one of the founding members of Space Renaissance International. Besides several papers in his professional area he has written several articles for his own site, for TDF and SRI, coauthoring the book “Three Theses for the Space Renaissance” with Adriano Autino and Patrick Q. Collins. He is currently member of the Board of SRI. Links |
. Luigina Feretti | . Luigina Feretti is a retired research director, associated with the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) at the Institute of Radio Astronomy, of which she was director from 2007 to 2015. She managed the Italian radio telescopes in Medicina (Bologna) and Noto (Syracuse) and chaired the committee for the construction of the 64-meter Sardinia radio telescope, currently operating at San Basilio (Cagliari). She studies radio waves from galaxies and galaxy clusters and has obtained important results on cosmological magnetic fields. She is the author of approximately 350 original scientific papers published in international journals, which have over 12,000 citations. She has participated in committees for the management of European radio astronomy, international committees for the allocation of observing time for astronomical instruments, and committees for research funding in Italy, abroad, and the EU. Luigina is a member of the Board of Directors of Space Renaissance Italia (Italian chapter of Space Renaissance International). Linkedin profile |
. Robert Katz | . Robert S. Katz proudly serves as CEO & Executive Director of the 501(c)3 NGO think tank World Innovation Network (WIN). As Space-Advocate, Cyber-Strategist, Ecosystem Engineer, Fitness-Freak, and even Dope-Dad, he smashes-space-silos to not only Connect-The-Dots, but to, more importantly, Connect-The-Thoughts. His global Space Tank events unite top ASTROpreneurs with top ecosystems. Further, he locally leads NASA’s Space Apps Challenge at NASA KSC. With Physics, Math, Comp, and Chem degrees, plus AI doctorial research, Robert spearheaded the Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars), transforming it into today’s Iron Dome, and pioneered countless satellite tracking and communications applications, including global wireless internet email. His over 300 SOLUTIONneering™ clients, from CIA to Space Force, brought him to over 32 countries…so far. Robert further protects his country and community as a firefighter-paramedic, HAZMAT specialist, and underwater rescue dive. |
. Dennis O'Brien | . Dennis O’Brien is a lawyer and former member of the NASA – UC Law Research Project in San Francisco (below). He is currently a member of the Adaptive Governance Working Group of the Moon Village Association, the Space Law Committee of Space Renaissance International, and the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activity (GEGSLA). In 2017 he started the Space Treaty Project, a scientific & educational nonprofit located in Mendocino County, California. Its mission: To give people Hope and Inspiration by helping the nations of the world to build a Common Future. This mission received a boost in 2022 by the creation of an Outer Space Resources Working Group by the United Nation’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), with a five-year mandate to consider “additional international governance instruments”. |
. Joe Pelton | . Dr. Joseph N. Pelton, Exec. Board the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety. Prof. Joseph N. Pelton, BS, MA, Ph.D. is Director Emeritus of the Space and Advanced Communications Research Institute (SACRI) at George Washington University. Founder of the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation. Former Dean and Chairman of the Board of the International Space University, and Editor Emeritus of the International Journal of Space Communications. He was the founding President of the SSPI. Author of over 300 articles, 50 books, nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and winner of the Literature Prize of American Astronautical Society. He is a .member of the International Academic of Astronautics, Fellow of the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety, and associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. See a full biography. |
. Eligar Sadeh | . Eligar (Eli) Sadeh, Ph.D., is an Aerospace Professional since 1982 and The Man Who Wrote the Book on the human relationship to the space enterprise. He is a TEDx speaker, and CEO and Founder of Astroconsulting International LLC and the non-profit Astropolitics Institute where he engages in technical consulting and educational programming. Eli serves as Chief Editor of the academic journal Astropolitics, which covers human factors related to the space program. He is a Professor and STEM educator of Aerospace Engineering, Space Operations, Program/Project Management, Business and Entrepreneurship, Astrophysics, Physics, Environmental Studies, and Astropolitics. Professional experiences include work with NASA, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, U.S. Air Force Academy Eisenhower Center of Space and Defense Studies, U.S. Air Force Space Command, University of North Dakota Aerospace Sciences and Space Studies, International Space University, and foreign national space agencies and academic institutions. Eli is working to develop expeditionary STEM programs. Eligar’s leadership in aerospace and seminal publications helped revolutionize the way we think about space exploration and the space program. |
. Gary Barnard | . Gary Pearce Barnhard is a self-described synergistic technological philanthropist, entrepreneur, and serial venture capitalist whose intersections with the space business span all sectors. He is a computer, robotic, space, and utility systems engineer with over 46 years of experience. He currently serves in several capacities, including: Director of Strategic Relationships for the National Space Society, Founder, President and CEO of Xtraordinary Innovative Space Partnerships, Inc. (XISP-Inc), and Vice President of the Moon Village Association. |
. Adriano V. Autino | . Space philosopher and small entrepreneur, Adriano V. Autino is president and co-founder of the Space Renaissance International (SRI) 2008 - 2021. SRI, as a not for profit cultural association, promotes the expansion of civilization into outer space. Diplomed in Industrial Electronics, Adriano studied Computer Science at University of Torino (Italia). He served as software engineer at Honeywell Information Systems Italia, and project manager in Sysdata CAP Gemini. He founded Andromeda s.r.l., dealing industrial automation and system engineering, real time and hard real time systems for aerospace, infrastructures, industry. He founded the web magazine Technologies of the Frontier. Published many articles and papers, on the subject of Astronautic Humanism and Civilization expansion into outer space, collaborating with many space activists world wide. Adriano personally created and manages several Space Renaissance's websites. He also published many articles and papers, and several books, including: “A greater world is possible!”, “La Terra non è malata: è incinta”, both available on Amazon. Extended cv and publications, LinkedIn Profile |