Call for Membership Nominations: Space Exploration Advisory Committee

The UK Space Agency seeks nominations for membership of its Space Exploration Advisory Committee (SEAC). The SEAC is responsible for advising the Agency on matters relating to robotic and human space exploration programmes.

The coming years hold great potential for space exploration. The UK has a vested interest, both from academic and industrial sectors, in initiatives like the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover Mission and the  Artemis mission. The tenure of SEAC members will coincide with a crucial period as the UK’s goals for future exploration are established. SEAC plays a vital role in advising the UK on its strategy and priorities for space exploration.

The Committee’s responsibilities include providing advice on UK participation in European exploration programmes (such as Mars exploration, microgravity environment, and Lunar exploration) as well as national activities that support these programmes. SEAC is composed of representatives from both academic and industrial communities, covering a wide range of relevant fields like biomedicine, fundamental physics, robotics and autonomy, and space science.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people who can represent their specialist area through the lens of human and robotic exploration, highlighting the UK’s activities in this sector (both nationally and via ESA), as well as aligning with the government’s scientific and technological goals.

We are seeking five new members to support the Exploration programme from February 2026 and complement the Committee’s already wide level of expertise.

We are seeking individuals capable of showcasing their expertise in human and robotic exploration, in the following specialisms:

• Mars Research
• Mars Research (Early Career Researcher)
• Lunar Research (Early Career Researcher)
• Microgravity (Physical Science)
• Microgravity (Early Career Researcher)

Membership is undertaken as a two-year term with meetings held three times a year (February, May and October). The first SEAC meeting for new members will be held around February 2027 (virtual attendance possible), and we encourage new members to ensure their availability around this date.

How to apply

Suitable candidates are expected to be based in the UK and demonstrate scientific expertise in a space-related discipline.

Nominations should be made by email, no later than Friday 30 October 2026 at 4:00 pm to uksa.spaceexploration@dsit.gov.uk with the subject line: SEAC Nomination 2026. Please attach the SEAC Application template and your CV (maximum 2 pages).

The role is expected to:

• Have experience of working with international space programmes (e.g. ESA, NASA)
• Possess a broad understanding of the UK Academic and/or Industrial landscape
• Be knowledgeable about the political and strategic challenges of work in this area, at both a national and international level

It is also preferred (but not essential) that candidates have:

• Experience in similar advisory roles for government or public entities (e.g., government agencies, Research Councils, funding organisations).

For nominations or more details about the SEAC and its membership, please email the Exploration mailbox at uksa.Spaceexploration@dsit.gov.uk.