Astronaut and moonwalker Buzz Aldrin was one of the keynote speakers at The European Parliament hosted five-day conference on “EU Science: Global Challenges, Global Collaboration (ES:GC2)”.

The conference, running from 4 – 8 March 2013 in Brussels, is organised in association with the Irish Council Presidency in conjunction with Irish MEP Seán Kelly and other MEPs.

(l-r) Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO National Space Centre (Ireland) Ltd; Astronaut Buzz Aldrin; Sean Kelly, MEP; Jill Tarter, SETI Institute, California; and Jennie Yeung, China Childrens Health Rights Advocate;  at the EU Science Global Collaboration Week in the EU Parliament
(l-r) Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO National Space Centre (Ireland) Ltd; Astronaut Buzz Aldrin; Sean Kelly, MEP; Jill Tarter, SETI Institute, California; and Jennie Yeung, China Childrens Health Rights Advocate; at the EU Science Global Collaboration Week in the EU Parliament
Speakers at ES:GC2 Conference 2013
Speakers at ES:GC2 Conference 2013

The aim of the conference is to promote global cooperation on access to research infrastructures and to facilitate networking between Europe-based researchers with potential research partners worldwide.

National Space Centre CEO Rory Fitzpatrick, pictured left with Buzz Aldrin, said “We have come here to explore Irelands participation in meeting global challenges, and the potential to help shape our future in space.”

“The conference addresses a wide and diverse spectrum of needs, from medical, to energy, to space, to weather challenges, and there are several areas where Irish Companies will play a key part. Meeting with Buzz Aldrin really brings into focus that anything is possible, and we look forward to playing our part in meeting challenges ahead.”

View the full conference programme.