The Australian Government’s iLAuNCH Trailblazer has appointed Dr Matt Richardson to the newly created Director of Space Education Programs role, further investing in the space workforce of the future.
Matt has spent the last decade working in aerospace and defence industries, both in Australia and Japan.
Located at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), Matt will lead the development and implementation of innovative space engineering and science programs in collaboration with iLAuNCH partners – the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of South Australia (UniSA).
Joining UniSQ as an Associate Professor, Matt will contribute to the University’s mission of advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of space exploration.
“We are focused on building Australia’s enduring space capability through skills development to deliver a job-ready workforce that our space industry needs today, and in the future,” said iLAuNCH Trailblazer Executive Director, Darin Lovett.
“I congratulate Matt on his appointment, who brings academic and engineering experience to iLAuNCH. We are looking forward to working with Matt to co-design a comprehensive education and training program spanning from higher education to vocational courses to executive education to schools.”
Formerly an Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) Graduate School of Engineering, Matt is no stranger to space education.
“I am thrilled to lead the Future Skills program development for the iLAuNCH Trailblazer,” said iLAuNCH Director of Space Education Programs, Dr Matt Richardson.
“Throughout my career, teaching at universities and sharing knowledge has had meaningful outcomes not just for the students, but for my own personal growth. I am excited to be part of this Trailblazer education program that will have downstream benefits for the space industry.”
By facilitating career pathways into Space Engineering, iLAuNCH will draw upon the educational expertise from each university partner, and key industry partners. This will support outreach and enable activities from STEM in schools, through to micro-credentialling, and tertiary studies in the form of a Space Engineering Degree to industry PhD pathways.
