ETH Arbeitstagung: «Switzerland in Space: Navigating between Security Threats and Opportunities»

National and international experts from space-related fields provided a comprehensive insight into the pressing issues of space technology, security, and diplomacy. The event was conducted under the Chatham House rules and aimed to promote an informal exchange between science, business, and government administration. 

The event was divided into four panels:

Panel 1: Threats in and From Space and How to Deal With Them 

Moderation: Sarah Wiedemar, Cyber Defense Researcher, Center for Security Studies (CSS) ETH Zurich

• Céline Yousefzai, Head of International Relations of Space Domain, Federal Department of Defense, Protection of the Population and Sports (DDPS)
• Dr. Bleddyin Bowen, Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom
• Almudena Azcarate Ortega, Researcher for Space Security & Weapons of Mass Destruction, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)

Panel 2: Commercial Space Systems and Services in Armed Conflicts (in English)

Moderation: Clémence Poirier, Senior Cyber Defense Researcher, Center for Security Studies (CSS) ETH Zurich

• Dr. Peter Erni, Head of Space Research Program, armasuisse 
• Béatrice Hainaut, Researcher Outer Space Activities, Institute for Strategic Research at the Military School (IRSEM), France
• Joost Elstak, Vice President Missions (Europe), ICEYE, Finland

Panel 3: Addressing Space Sustainability Through Space Diplomacy (in English)

Moderation: Névine Schepers, Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies (CSS) ETH Zurich

• Dr. Natália Archinard, Debuty Head of Science, Space and Arctic Section, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
• Deborah Müller, Space Technology and Innovation Advisor, ESA THAG Swiss Delegation, ETH Space, Switzerland
• Romain Buchs, Space Policy and Strategy, Clear Space, Switzerland

Panel 4: Switzerland – Where Do We Go from Here? (in German)

Moderation: Dr. Daniel Möckli, Head of Think Tank, Center for Security Studies (CSS) ETH Zurich

• Dr. Renato Krpoun, Head of Swiss Space Office, State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI, Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) 
• Dr. Joachim Adler, Head of Defense Policy and National Coordination, State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS), Swiss Federal Department of Defense, Protection of the Population and Sports (DDPS)
• Marina Wyss Ross, Head of Arms Control, Disarmament and Cyber Security Section, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
• Colonel EMG Ludovic Monnerat, J5 and Head of Domain Space, Federal Department of Defense, Protection of the Population and Sports (DDPS)