Chris Welch is Professor of Space Engineering at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France, where he is also Director of Masters Programs. Dr Welch is a Vice President of International Astronautical Federation and a member of European Commission H2020 Space Advisory Committee. His research interests are in space propulsion, microgravity science and planetary exploration. He has extensive media experience and a significant track record in both space education and outreach and higher education, receiving the 2009 Sir Arthur Clarke Award for Space Education and 2015 IAF Distinguished Service Award. Dr Welch is Vice-President of the British Interplanetary Society, of which he is a Fellow, and is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and Royal Astronomical Society. He sits on a number of boards including the Arts Catalyst and the Initiative for Interstellar Studies. He has PhD in Spacecraft Engineering (Cranfield University), an MSc in Experimental Space Physics (University of Leicester) and a BSc in Physics (Cardiff University). He has published more than 90 papers in journals, book chapters and conferences.