The 2026 «School and Space» Symposium at Lakeside Park Inspires Attendees with Space Exploration and Future Prospects
Numerous interested visitors, engaging presentations, hands-on workshops, and top-notch experts made the 2026 «School and Space» symposium a huge success. On June 19 and 20, the renowned event took place for the first time at the Lakeside Science & Technology Park in Klagenfurt.
The symposium was organized by the IAU/NAEC Initiative in collaboration with ESERO Austria and the Austrian Society for Astronomy & Astrophysics.
For the first time at the Educational Lab in Lakeside Park
The idea to bring the symposium to Klagenfurt for the first time arose from the successful collaboration between the Educational Lab and ESERO Austria. Through joint educational projects such as Moon Camp and AstroPi, numerous students have already been inspired by space-related topics. Silvia Seebacher-Prokop, director of the Educational Lab, emphasizes: «Space exploration, astronomy, and astrophysics are both exciting and challenging. At the Educational Lab, children and teens learn to explore precisely this tension, because STEM subjects hold a special fascination—just like space itself.»
Space Within Reach
The presentation by ESA astronaut Carmen Possnig, a native of Klagenfurt, drew particular interest. She provided fascinating insights into her personal career path, astronaut training, and her experiences in the international space community. Her presentation was a special highlight of the symposium and impressively demonstrated the career paths that can be opened up by a passion for science and technology. The program was complemented by interactive workshops organized by the Educational Lab projects PLIA and BIKO mach MINT.
Enthusiasm for Space as a Catalyst for the Future
Bernhard Lamprecht, Managing Director of Lakeside Park: «The fascination with space has inspired people for generations—and it is precisely this enthusiasm that we at Lakeside Park want to pass on to young people through the Educational Lab. Our collaboration with ESERO Austria and our partners is therefore of great importance. The ‹School and Space’ symposium gives students the opportunity to engage with the latest developments in space research and experience science firsthand. Such encounters spark curiosity, encourage students to think big, and show them the exciting paths open to them in science, research, and technology. The earlier young people have the chance to discover topics that shape the future, the better they can develop their talents and chart their own paths.»
Exchange Between Schools and Science
For the National Astronomical Education Coordination Austria (NAEC), connecting different target groups is a top priority. Dr. Salim Ansari, Chair of the NAEC, explains: «NAEC Austria is an institution of the International Astronomical Union. Its annual conference, ‹School and Space 2026,’ aims to bring together students, educators, and scientists to exchange information on current research, citizen science projects, and school-based projects, as well as to establish contacts. In addition, awards will be presented at this conference for the best theses and dissertations in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, space missions, and space exploration.»
Contact:
Lakeside Science & Technology Park
Silvia Seebacher-Prokop, Team Leader Educational Lab
T: +43 664 88 310 290
M: seebacher-prokop@lakeside-scitec.com
Impressions