Towards a bright future for Swiss Space with Professor Thomas Zurbuchen
Professor Thomas Zurbuchen is one of the most influential scientific leaders in the world. After earning his PhD in 1996 from the University of Bern, he moved to the United States, and was appointed Professor by the University of Michigan in 2008. From 2016 until 2022, Zurbuchen was Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA, where he launched 37 missions (including the James Webb Space Telescope) and started another 54. As of August 2023, he is leading ETH Zurich Space as a Professor of Space Science and Technology.
His scientific research focuses on solar and heliospheric physics, experimental space research, and space systems; he is also well known for his personal work on innovation and entrepreneurship, and his early support for SpaceX. This provides him with a unique perspective when it comes to the analysis of NewSpace, which he routinely presents in interviews, public lectures, and podcasts focused on leadership innovation and management techniques.
In summary, Professor Thomas Zurbuchen is a key figure of the US and Swiss space ecosystems, and probably one of the best suited people to push commercial space in Switzerland and Europe. His contribution to the CSD space congress includes a keynote speech and panel discussion as part of the “Great Debate”, the progressive exchange and views about NewSpace by influential leaders in innovation and space economy. Do not wait to book your ticket and meet him in person at the Commercial Space Days 2023 in Luzern.