Paris, 13 Oct 2004
Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA's Director General, has accepted with honour the role of Chancellor of the International Space University (ISU). As Chancellor of the ISU, Mr Dordain will provide critical objectives to the University, chair the Board of Advisors, serve on the Board of Trustees and focus on the future of the space sector. Despite his busy professional life, Mr Dordain has remained committed to education and to the next generation of space professionals. Throughout his career, which has included 18 years at ESA, Mr Dordain has always kept close ties with education, serving as a professor at renowned French institutions such as Ecole Polytechnique, ENSTA and Sup'Aero for more than 20 years.
He views this appointment as an opportunity to be more personally involved in the shaping of the future of ISU and its graduates. In his keynote address that he delivered in September 2004 to the graduating ISU Master in Space Studies class, he emphasised his devotion to education and the future.
In addition, Mr Dordain believes that education is as an integral part of space activities, stressing: "Education or transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next has been the driving force behind the progress of humankind. The duty of any generation is to educate the following one. Space is not only a fantastic tool for inspiring and educating youth but also because of the many disciplines and expertise that space developments require."
Dr Michael Simpson, ISU's newly-appointed president, warmly welcomed this decision. "With Jean-Jacques Dordain we will have an excellent advisor and space authority supporting us. His long and diversified space career, expertise in research and distinguished experience in education is the ideal mixture to help our young University to evolve in the right direction. As Chairman of the ISU Board of Advisors, Mr Dordain will help us identify the ideas and issues that will keep our University at the forefront of space education."
Mr Dordain is the second Chancellor of ISU. He succeeds the renowned scientist and writer Dr Arthur C.Clarke.
http://www.esa.int/export/esaCP/index.ht ml