❓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 sessions, workshops, and social activities. 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 young professionals from all ESA sites!
When and where is the YPE 2026 taking place?
The YPE 2026 is taking place from Monday 1 June 2026 to Tuesday 2 June 2026, at ESA HQ in Paris, France. Additional social activities will take place Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May.
Information about ESA HQ: how to get there, facilities available, accessibility, and more, can all be found in our Information on ESA HQ page.
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 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 programmes (EGTs, RFs, NTs, and JPs). Note that you may only join if you have a ticket confirming your registration, with a QR code.
How do I register for YPE 2026?
Follow this link to access our registration. Once you have submitted the form, we will review all registrations. This is because we give priority to those in ESA entry-level programmes and we have a limited number of places at YPE. If you have been accepted to attend YPE, you will receive a QR code ticket, which you may then use to register on the day. If you do not have this QR code, you will not be allowed to attend. If you are no longer able to attend YPE, please withdraw your registration or contact Isabelle or Gala so that we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
How do I enter the ESA HQ 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 HQ. For interns, contractors and NTs who do not have a duty station assigned to HQ, we will use your information to be able to set up a visitor badge for the days you will be on site.
I am not based at ESA HQ, how do I request a mission?
If you're not at HQ, request a mission with approval from your line manager and HR. To find out how to request a mission, please check out the Mission Request System page.
What if I am in TEC?
A specific agreement for missions of YPs in TEC is being made, so please still register to attend YPE. Once we have the finalized details we will share this with you all (this will be before we approve your registrations and before you have to request a mission so do not worry).
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 from each site to double-check your status.
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 Andrew Kane for help.
What food options are available during the YPE?
We will be offering a catered lunch and coffee/tea/snacks for both days. The form to submit any allergens/dietary needs will be included in your registration confirmation email. Please fill this out; otherwise we will not be able to guarantee that there is a meal available for you. Please note that YPE attendees will not be allowed into the HQN canteen. If you would like additional snacks/food, there are several bakeries and supermarkets in the area.
Activities
How do I sign up for the Council Ministerial workshop?
Please register your interest in the Council Ministerial workshop question found on the Registration page. Be fast, as there is limited space! Once your registration has been approved, you will receive more information regarding the workshop via email.
How do I sign up for the other workshops?
Registration for the other workshops will be on the day of the YPE, on a first-come, first-served basis. Stay tuned for more information about each workshop (on the Workshops page), so that you can decide which ones interest you the most before the day of the event.
What is the Poster Session and how does it work?
At the YPE, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your project with a poster in a designated area for all attendees. Visitors can freely explore the posters, and you’ll have the chance to present your work to them. Your poster can cover any topic you’ve worked on, whether it’s in science, technology, education, or business—everyone is welcome to participate. Attendees will be able to vote for their favourite poster during the event, and the winner will receive a prize!
You can register your interest in the registration form. Once you have been approved, you will receive more information on how to submit an abstract, and later on, a poster.
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.
Please note that you must confirm with your manager that the information on your poster is compliant with the appropriate data security level. There may be visitors external to ESA in attendance.
For questions regarding the Poster Session, please contact Dorothea MacPhail.
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 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!
For questions regarding the Space Slam, please contact Michal Krepa.
What is the Young ESA Lunch and Learn?
Interested in becoming involved with Young ESA activities, or even just curious to learn more about what we do? This is your chance to speak face to face with the Core Team of Young ESA and ask all your questions. Working group leads will set up a poster session where you can come and see what they've been up to this year and hear about future plans... maybe even suggest some of your own! Site representatives will also be available for discussions on site specific concerns, ideas, events and more.
It’s never too late to actively join Young ESA, we invite you to join us and get started today!
What other sessions are happening at YPE?
As well as workshops, we have panels, discussions, networking opportunities, and presentations. For information on everything happening at YPE, please visit our timetable. More information to come!
Are there extra social activities?
Yes! Information regarding social activities over the weekend will follow, stay tuned!
What is the Strategic Foresight & Planning Workshop?
The Strategic Foresight & Planning Workshop is an event independent of YPE, but runs on the second day of YPE, 2nd June from 13:00-17:30. If you have been accepted to the Strategic Foresight & Planning Workshop, you are more than welcome to leave YPE early to attend this workshop! For missions extending past YPE to attend this workshop, please speak with your line manager about the possibility. For any additional questions about this workshop we encourage you to contact the organising team.
Miscellaneous
I would like to help organise the next YPE 2027, who should I contact?
For more information, contact Isabelle Thierrin or Gala Gascue
I still have some unanswered questions, who should I contact?
Your site representatives may have the answer! If not, please contact Isabelle Thierrin or Gala Gascue
