Recruitment at the European Space Agency: how strategy meets operations

Recruitment at the European Space Agency: how strategy meets operations Recruitment at the European Space Agency is undergoing an unprecedented period of growth and transformation. Over the past five years, ESA has faced major challenges, including the high‑profile 2021–2022 astronaut selection campaign and a growing demand for new competencies driven by geopolitical shifts. These dynamics have led to an expected historic recruitment peak for 2026. This presentation by ESA’s Head of Talent Acquisition and Head of Recruitment Support offers insights into the distinctive challenges ESA faces as an intergovernmental organisation in the space sector, along with a behind‑the‑scenes look at one of Europe’s most high‑profile recruitment campaigns.