The students had different backgrounds: From aerospace engineering and physics to political science, a range of disciplines was represented. This interdisciplinarity proved to be particularly beneficial in the discussions and exchanges, as it opened up new perspectives and broadened existing views. On Friday lunchtime, the participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and get to know each other better over lunch. On Saturday, after a welcoming address by Dr Iulian Romanyshyn (Head of Scientific Programme, ICI Institute), the Winter School began with a keynote speech by Major General Michael Traut. This security policy and military perspective met with great interest among the young participants, and the subsequent discussion was very lively. The participants were given overview presentations by internationally renowned experts, such as Prof Kai-Uwe Schrogl, with the opportunity for subsequent discussion. There was also a workshop session on Saturday afternoon - organised and run by the cooperation partner European Space Policy Institute - which dealt with climate security and space security. A UN simulation on Sunday was the highlight: participants were able to slip into the role of diplomats and simulate a UN meeting on a space topic.
Overall, the Winter School was a complete success! In the feedback round, many of the participants wanted a regular forum to expand a network on this highly relevant topic. The ICI Institute is therefore taking up the topic again - in renewed cooperation with CASSIS - as part of a Spring School. The topic of space cooperation remains relevant for everyone in view of the increasing securitisation of space and the dangers of military conflict and the resulting risks (e.g. space debris).