WP2 – Science-Based Education

Lead: University of Helsinki / Prof. Emilia Kilpua

WP2 strengthens Finland’s global competitiveness by accelerating the translation of research excellence into education-driven innovation and by cultivating an inclusive, skilled workforce for the space economy. It develops strategic educational pathways and outreach programs for students, professionals, decision-makers and citizens, ensuring long-term national capability in space technologies and AI-enhanced data use. 

Recognizing the growing demand for interdisciplinary and AI-literate talent, WP2 maps existing educational offerings, identifies gaps, and delivers new capacity-building initiatives across the ecosystem. 

Activities include inclusive courses, workshops, AI colloquia and an annual national Space Education Symposium connecting academia, industry and learners. WP2 also strengthens collaboration with Universities of Applied Sciences to ensure regional accessibility and practical relevance, while integrating startups and industry partners into training modules. 

Beyond technical skills, WP2 promotes responsible AI adoption by addressing ethical risks and societal implications of space technologies. Supporting OECD well-being principles and multiple UN SDGs, WP2 ensures that Finland’s space economy growth is underpinned by broad-based education, inclusion and long-term human capital development.

Main deliverables:

* Inclusive courses and workshops on space data and AI/ML
* Annual national Space Education Symposium
* Expanded educational pathways linking academia, industry and society
* Capacity-building initiatives for professionals, citizens and policymakers
* Strengthened collaboration with Universities of Applied Sciences and startups