International Space University Chosen From 17 Nominees

Based on a recommendation from an international jury, the Eurisy General Assembly, for the 2012 edition, has decided to award the prestigious Hubert Curien Award to the International Space University (ISU) based in Strasbourg, France.

This Award recognizes outstanding efforts to help society benefit from space, of people who, in Eurisy Founding President Hubert Curien's own words, "go beyond their own specialization" in order to "provide decision-makers as well as citizens the indispensable elements for big society choices".

Professor Hubert Curien, sometimes referred to as the spiritual father of European space, was active as President of CNES and in ESA before becoming minister of Science and Space in France. He was also the founder of Eurisy in line with his visionary views on space and education.

Dr. Colin Hicks, Eurisy President said "in line with the vision of the Eurisy founder, the Award is given every two years to a person or an organisation which has demonstrated its dedication in the field of promoting space and its benefits to society. ISU has not only created a strong basis of space professionals via its programs, but also has ensured that these space professionals were aware of the ethical and cultural aspects inherent to space applications."

Prof. Walter Peeters, ISU President agreed. "ISU is proud of this Award," he said. "It stresses the Intercultural, International and Interdisciplinary approach which is the core basis of all its programs. Space is a utility and an integral part of societal progress. In addition to the basic knowledge in science and technology, all alumni of ISU are provided with a good insight in these societal aspects in order to make sure that in their careers they will always take into account humanistic and ethical values.”

FMI: www.isunet.edu