“I am honoured to join the ESSC”, says professor Zita Martins (Department of Chemical Engineering – DEQ) who was recently invited to join the European Space Science Committee (ESSC).

The Técnico professor joins the prestigious directors of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the director-general. “ESSC members are reputed experts and are widely respected in the scientific community”, underlines professor Zita Martins, who accepted this invitation with a “great sense of responsibility”. “I shall try to do my bit – through recommendations and reports – on issues related to Space Sciences in Europe and their respective politics. My contribution will focus on the role of Europe in the various Space fields (from Physics to Life Sciences) and also the development of technologies related to Space”, stresses professor Zita Martins.

In addition to being an independent advisor to ESA directors and the Director-General, ESSC also has observer status in ESA’s Council of Ministers of ESA Member States and maintains strong relations with the European Commission and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.