Women in Aerospace Europe first, ever award ceremony was held on 17 November 2011 in Bremen, Germany, setting a wonderful precedent for future functions. The crowd of around 60 people consisted of DLR and HE Space employees, Contracting for Space and IAA attendees and our own WIA members from across the board. As a networking event, the mix provided an interesting opportunity for all involved –engineers, managers, lawyers and space employees from all over the industry spectrum.

Both award winners travelled to Bremen especially for the ceremony. Columbus Flight Controller at Altec S.P.A Laura Zanardini was the winner of our essay-based Student & Young Professional Award, and we also celebrated astrobiologist Gerda Horneck the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Gerda spoke of her appreciation for the recognition as well as her love for her work, and Laura is to use the €1000 to arrange meetings with Aerospace Engineering students in Milan and Turin. In these meetings, she will share her experiences, teach them about Italy‘s contributions to the ISS and tell them about WIA, and all we stand for. Thank you Gerda and Laura! It was a pleasure to meet you both and we wish you all the best.

Furthermore, at the WIA Europe 4th General Assembly Gerda Horneck was awarded granted with Honorary Member status.