❓Here you will find answers to all of your questions regarding this year's Young Professional Event! ❓
GENERAL
What is the YPE?
The Young Professional Event (YPE) is an exciting annual conference at ESA, offering young professionals a blend of talks, workshops, and social activities. Specifically, we are offering social activities on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, while Monday will be filled with everything else. We are also hosting a Gala on Monday evening. See the schedule for more information.
The YPE is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals from all ESA sites!
When and where is the YPE 2025 taking place?
The YPE 2025 is on Monday 2 June 2025, at ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. Additional optional activities will take place on Saturday 31 May, Sunday 1 June and on Tuesday 3 June.
Information about how to reach ESTEC can be found on the Travel to and around ESTEC and at the following links:
Who can join the YPE?
The YPE is designed by and for young professionals across all ESA sites, including ESA Graduate Trainees (EGTs, formerly YGTs), National Trainees (NTs), Research Fellows (RFs), Junior Professionals (JPs), Interns, Staff Members, and Contractors. All current ESA workforce members on the day of the YPE are welcome to join without any age limit. However, priority is given to those in ESA entry level programs. Note that you may only join if you have a confirmed registration.
How do I enter the ESTEC site if I am not an ESA Staff?
For ESA staff such as EGTs, RFs and JPs, you will be able to simply use your ESA badge to enter into ESTEC. For interns, contractors and NTs who do not have a duty station assigned to ESTEC, we will use your information to be able to set up a visitor badge for the days you will be on site.
How do I sign up for the YPE?
Registrations are still open, click here to register! However, places are limited so we will prioritise ESA Young Professionals. If you've registered for extra activities or volunteering, you will receive further information.
If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please ensure you update your registration using the personalized link provided after signing up.
I am not based at ESTEC, how do I request a mission?
If you're not at ESTEC, request a mission with approval from your line manager and HR. To find out how to request a mission, please check out the Travel to and around ESTEC page.
What if I am an intern?
Interns may attend with manager approval, coverage by personal insurance, and at their own cost. If you do not have an ESA e-mail address, please use the one known to ESA as we get a list of interns of each site to double-check.
What if I am a contractor?
Contractors will need to request to attend the YPE from their own contracting company. It may be that you need to pay your way and/or take leave, but it varies significantly for each company it is best to speak with your manager. In the past we have found that giving a presentation at the YPE can increase the chances of having the attendance approved, so consider submitting a poster for the poster session.
I am having issues requesting a mission, who can help?
If you are having issues with getting your mission approved, please contact contact Andrew Kane for help.
What food options are available during the YPE?
ESTEC has several food outlets that are open throughout the YPE. Lunch will be available to buy from the main canteen, Lunch pad, and ESCAPE. You will also be able to buy smaller meals such as fries from ESCAPE. See here for more information.
Monday 2 June is a holiday for ESRIN, can I still attend?
ESRIN professionals on holiday can still join by requesting a mission. The holiday will be converted into an extra leave day if approved. Plan early to make the most of the long weekend at ESTEC!
As the event will take place on Monday, you can enter a mission for this day and when the mission is completed, you will get a reimbursement on your annual leave account (one day – Monday). You have to go to HR Space - your employee file - Staff requests - overtime. After the event: Get your mission claimed, so that you have a claimed/settled mission form from MAS. As a next step (Step 3, in HR space) use the workflow and update the dates and upload the mission claim form (Status claimed or settled). To get to the Edit mode, scroll down and use 'update'.
*If you have further questions, please reach out to your HR advisor.*
ACTIVITIES
Note:
The Workshops on Monday 2 June, are overlapping with the main activities as followed:
🌳 YPE x Environment WG (Please be aware that this workshop will overlap with the session: Commercialisation).
🕵️ YPE x Entrepreneurs WG (Please be aware that this workshop will overlap with the session: Planetary Defence or the workshop: 🛸 Philosophy Workshop)
🛸 Philosophy Workshop (Please be aware that this workshop will overlap with the session: Planetary Defence or the workshop: 🕵️ YPE x Entrepreneurs: Mission Possible)
🖌️ YPE x Advocacy WG (Please be aware that this workshop will overlap with the session: Planetary Settlement)
⚙️ CDF Workshop (Please be aware that this workshop will overlap with the session: Poster Session)
How do I sign up for a workshop?
When you register there is an option to express interest in specific workshops. Once these workshops are finalised we will be in touch by email with more information. Please be aware that places in the workshops are limited and allocated in order of registration.
What is the Poster Session and how does it work?
During the YPE you will be able to exhibit your project as a poster in a dedicated area for all the attendees. Your poster can be about any topic you worked on, whether you work in science, technology, education or business, everyone is welcome. We will provide a template and extra guidance for those who sign up to exhibit. The attendees can vote for their favourite poster during the event, and the winner will get a special prize!
Note that there are only a limited number of spots available for the poster session. In the case of too many submissions, a selection process may be implemented. Therefore, we currently cannot guarantee that your poster will be accepted for display.
You can register your interest in exhibiting a poster on the registration form.
For questions regarding the Poster Session, please contact Damiana Irrera or Benedetta Peli.
What are the Lab Tours and how do I sign up?
On Tuesday 3 June, we will offer tours of some of the ESTEC labs. Due to space constraints, priority will be given to non-ESTEC participants. You can express interest in a tour as part of the registration process. Once you have expressed interest, keep an eye on your emails for more information.
What is the EDI Session?
The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Young ESA Working Group is delighted to invite you to our new interactive workshop!
This year, we want to offer a different experience: a session based on group activities, discussions, and exchanges, allowing all participants to step into each other’s shoes. Through dynamic exercises and shared reflections, we will explore together the challenges and benefits related to the core values of our group: equality, inclusion, and diversity.
This will be a unique opportunity to engage with these topics in an interactive way, gain new perspectives, and strengthen our sense of community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
What is the Space Slam?
Are you passionate about space? Do you have a cosmic idea or project you'd love to share? Here's your chance! Present your space-related topic in a fun and engaging 5-10 minute presentation. Whether you choose to dance, sing, rhyme, or showcase dynamic slides filled with memes, the stage is yours. Every participant will win the audience's admiration, but the most entertaining and innovative talk will receive a unique prize. No rules, except the time limit. Gain public speaking experience in front of the friendliest crowd imaginable. Share what inspires or challenges you about space, and let your creativity shine!
If you are interested in presenting you can sign-up on the registration form and if not make sure you join us for an evening of exciting talks!
For questions regarding the Space Slam, please contact Alexander Rutzler.
What is the YP Speed Networking Session?
Seize the opportunity to meet other Young Professionals at YPE’s professional networking session! Connect with fellow YPs to share your experiences, gain new insights, and expand your network. This session will feature a speed-dating round with YPs from related backgrounds, providing you with valuable connections between sessions.
What is the Breaking Barriers Session?
This session will spotlight speakers from ESA with diverse backgrounds, sharing their experiences and inspiring discussions on how to support and empower women in the space industry. We’ll kick off with a discussion exploring how education, cultural shifts, and changes in the space industry can better support women's success in the field. Following this, you’ll have the chance to connect directly with speakers in one-on-one or small group discussions. Men are naturally encouraged to join the conversation as well!
What is the HR Session?
The YPE team organised a Q&A session with the HR team in charge of ESA Entry-Level Programmes to discuss HR-related subjects. This session will be held on Teams; Thursday 24 April at 16:00. No other sessions will accept HR-related questions during the YPE. A recording of this session will be made available after the event.
Are there extra social activities?
Yes! Optional ESTEC lab visits, a YPE Gala, and extra activities over the weekend. You can express interest in an ESTEC lab tour and buy a gala ticket through the registration form. Information regarding social activities in the weekend will follow.
MISCELLANEOUS
Where can I find information about the previous editions of the YPE?
Getting ready for the Young Professional Event 2024!
I would like to help organise the next YPE 2026, who should I contact?
For more information contact Manon Houyet or Isabelle Thierrin.
I still have some unanswered questions, who should I contact?
Your site representatives may have the answer! If not, please contact Manon Houyet or Isabelle Thierrin.
