Professor Roberto Battiston Appointed as Next ESSC Chair
26th February 2025
The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) is proud to announce that Professor Roberto Battiston has been appointed as its next Chair, succeeding Professor Chris Rapley. Professor Battiston will officially take up the position at the ESSC Winter Plenary 2025, bringing his extensive experience and leadership in space science and policy to Europe’s foremost independent advisory body on space research.
Professor Battiston is a highly distinguished physicist and author at the University of Trento, renowned for his contributions to astroparticle physics, fundamental interactions, and space-based experiments. A former President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), he has played a pivotal role in shaping European and international space programs. A longstanding advocate for science outreach, his expertise and vision will be instrumental in guiding the ESSC’s mission to support and advance space science in Europe.
On his appointment, Professor Battiston said, “I am really honoured to have been selected to serve as the next ESSC Chair. Science in general, space science in particular, aims to provide the knowledge to understand the foundations the laws of nature, but also to develop the technologies to address key issues about our future on this planet. Europe has an outstanding tradition in this field and ESSC plays a crucial role in contributing to support and strengthen research on space science.”
As we look to the future, we also take a moment to honour the extraordinary tenure of Professor Chris Rapley, who has served the ESSC with distinction for 6 years. A visionary Professor of Climate Science at University College London, and science communicator, Professor Rapley has been an unwavering champion of European space research, fostering critical dialogue between the scientific community, ESA and the European National Agencies. As Chair of the ESSC, he led the campaign for a “Science Uplift”, adding his and ESSC’s voice to the efforts to safeguard and increase European Space Science funding in Europe. He has also increased the size and activities of the ESSC, and initiated the fifth ESSC panel, on space systems and technology. His leadership has strengthened the ESSC’s voice, shaping policy and inspiring new generations of scientists.
On his departure, Professor Rapley commented, “It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to chair the ESSC. As the space domain and its applications expand at an accelerating pace—amidst geopolitical complexities, a global environmental poly-crisis, and an alarming retreat from evidence-based decision-making—the need to champion science and the wonders it uncovers has never been more urgent. The ESSC’s independent voice, strengthened by its close engagement with ESA and other influential space entities, provides a powerful platform to meet this challenge.”
Looking ahead, the ESSC remains steadfast in its mission: to uphold scientific excellence, provide independent and rigorous advice to European and international decision-makers, and illuminate the path towards the next great frontiers of discovery. Under Professor Battiston’s leadership, the committee will continue to advocate for the advancement of space science and technology, ensuring that Europe remains a leader in the exploration and understanding of the cosmos.