We are delighted to officially launch the ECSECO Ambassador Program, a strategic new initiative created to strengthen ECSECO’s visibility, engagement, and long-term impact across ESA Member States. Through this pilot phase, ECSECO is appointing a first group of highly motivated professionals and researchers to serve as Regional Representatives and trusted local ambassadors of our mission.
These individuals will play a vital role in building stronger connections between ECSECO and regional stakeholders, helping to create a more dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative network across Europe. Acting as key contact points within their respective countries and regions, they will contribute to expanding ECSECO’s reach while ensuring that local perspectives and opportunities are reflected in our broader strategic direction.
Our newly appointed Ambassadors will:
- Strengthen ECSECO’s visibility and outreach at national and regional level
- Foster meaningful engagement with academia, industry, institutions, and public authorities
- Support membership growth and encourage active community participation
- Represent ECSECO at conferences, events, workshops, and strategic dialogues
- Share regional insights, priorities, and opportunities to help shape ECSECO’s future actions
We warmly welcome our first Ambassadors and look forward to working together to advance ECSECO’s mission throughout the ESA community and beyond. Find out more about them below.
Ignacio Eiriz Gervás, PhD
Ignacio Eiriz Gervás is Director of Fundación CTA (Aerospace Technology Center) in the Basque Country, Spain, where he leads aeronautical and space research, testing, and technology development activities. Since 2008, he has driven the creation and growth of CTA’s Space Department, which today represents a significant share of the organisation’s work and supports space companies across Spain and Europe.
He holds a PhD in Quantitative Finance and Economics focused on the European Space Economy and is actively involved in national and European space initiatives, including ECSECO, the Spanish Aerospace Technology Platform (PAE), and the Basque aerospace cluster (HEGAN). As ECSECO Regional Ambassador for Spain, he supports outreach, ecosystem engagement, and collaboration within the European space economy.
Péter Kristóf PhD
Péter Kristóf PhD is a multiple award-winning space professional, innovation expert, exited startup founder, corporate executive, and trusted advisor in digitalization, venture capital, as well as technology and economic development. He is a sought-after speaker at domestic and international conferences on these topics. As a space ecosystem builder, he draws on his extensive multinational and multisectoral experience to leverage opportunities in all segments of the space and dual-use domains. His primary professional interests include the space economy, global collaborations, new space startups, fundraising and space sustainability.
Dr. Robert Conway-Kenny
Dr. Robert (Rob) Conway-Kenny is an innovation specialist interested in exploring and supporting disruptive technologies and their application in Space. As the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Manager based at Irish Manufacturing Research, he leads ESA’s flagship Innovation Laboratory programme for commercial sector Space Technology Development. Robert holds a Doctorate in Molecular Materials from Trinity College Dublin, and his experience includes a Fulbright Commission Ireland Award to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, and several initiatives with the European Space Agency. Robert is passionate about science and space outreach, community engagement, and pushing the limits of Europe’s commercial space capabilities.
