We’re over the moon to announce that Dr. Norah Patten, an accomplished aeronautical engineer and bioastronautics researcher, will join us at the EU-Startups Summit 2025 in sunny Malta on April 24-25!
Dr. Patten is set to make history as the first Irish person to become an astronaut, following her announcement in June 2024 as part of the IIAS-02 crew for a future research spaceflight with Virgin Galactic, scheduled for 2026. With an impressive background that bridges academia, industry, and space exploration, Dr. Patten is at the forefront of innovation and discovery in aeronautics and astronautics.
A graduate of the University of Limerick with a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering, Norah’s career spans industrial experience with The Boeing Company and Bell Labs Alcatel Lucent, as well as participation in the prestigious International Space University Space Studies Program. As a former global faculty member at the International Space University and current staff member at Réaltra Space Systems Engineering in Dublin, she has dedicated her career to advancing the frontiers of space technology and inspiring the next generation of explorers.
At the EU-Startups Summit, Norah will take the main stage to share her journey from Ireland to space, discussing her groundbreaking work in bioastronautics and her upcoming spaceflight with Virgin Galactic. She’ll also delve into the challenges and opportunities of pursuing a career in aerospace, offering unique insights into leadership, resilience, and innovation in one of the most demanding fields on Earth (and beyond!).
Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by Dr. Norah Patten’s incredible story and vision for the future of space exploration. Join us in Malta to hear from Norah and many other visionary speakers at the EU-Startups Summit 2025. Secure your ticket today and stay tuned for exciting updates on our event page—you can also check out the full agenda here to keep track of all the speakers and panels.
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