Is 2021 the year women break through the final glass ceiling in the space industry?

The call for applications to succeed Johann-Dietrich Wörner as the Director General of ESA in 2021, closed on 31st August 2020.

In its 50–year history, the European Space Agency has never had a female Director General, but is it now time for a change at the top? A female Director General would signal ESA member states’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to a modern Space sector in a modern Europe. A female Director General would also provide a valuable role model for all young people starting out in the space sector.

The future of ESA lies in its ability to evolve, to re-invent the state of the art, to innovate, increasing its role as a player in a knowledge based society. The WIA-E community is testament to the world-class skill and hard work of European women in the space industry today. There will be excellent female candidates for the role of ESA Director General, so let’s make 2021 a year of change!

The results of the selection are expected by the end of the year, and we can’t wait!