Dec. 22, 2025

Robert Thirsk: Finding space science, exploration at UCalgary event

Astronaut Robert Thirsk returns to his alma matter for afternoon of discovery

Author

Colette Derworiz, Faculty of Science

Three people sit together
From left: Ed McCauley, Emma Spanswick and Robert Thirsk. Adrian Shellard

Hundreds of Calgarians visited the University of Calgary earlier this month to see astronaut Robert Thirsk and learn about the Faculty of Science’s groundbreaking space science research.

More than 450 people attended the Found in Space event on Dec. 13 at the Energy Environment Experiential Learning (EEEL) Building on campus.

Attendees were treated to TEDx-style talks by astronaut and former UCalgary Chancellor Dr. Robert Thirsk, BSc (Eng)'76, MD, DEng, Hon. LLD'09, and Dr. Emma Spanswick, BSc'02, MSc'04, PhD'09, a space scientist and associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

“We’re world leaders in space science and now our research is being used to develop real-time systems for northern defence,” says Dr. Kristin Baetz, PhD, dean of the Faculty of Science.

“Calgarians got to learn about the out-of-this world innovation our researchers are doing.”

A woman gives a presentation to a large crowd
A woman wearing a collared shirt and glasses
A man in an astronaut suit speaks in front of a crowd
Three people stand on a stage
Robert Thirsk poses for pictures and signs autographs
A group of people stand together
3D printouts of astronauts
A UCalgary student talks to attendees at the Found in Space event on Dec. 13, 2025.
A group of people stand together
A young person builds an astronaut from 3D-printed parts at the Found in Space event on Dec. 13, 2025.
A young adult speaks to a group of children

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