Koenig To Join EU Parliament Debate
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Star Trek‘s Walter Koenig will join European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts for an interactive discussion at the European Parliament later this month.
The discussion, hosted by EU 40, is meant to inspire Europe’s next generation of scientists and researchers by showing positive role models.
“Science and technology have always been drivers of human progress. As young Members of the European Parliament, we believe that we must be part of that discussion,” said EU40 in a statement released by the organization. “The event is set to take place before a special European summit will decide on the financial fate of Horizon 2020, the EU’s new research and innovation strategy.”
Koenig will join ESA astronauts Frank de Winne, the first European to command the International Space Station; André Kuipers, who holds the European record for the longest stay in orbit; and Andreas Mogensen. Anne Glover, The EU’s first Chief Scientific Advisor, will also be on the panel.
The advertisement for the event mentions “Star Trek actors” and “two ‘fictive’ heroes,” but so far only Koenig’s name has been mentioned as a participant.
“Europe desperately needs more young scientists and Star Trek has provided that inspiration for generations of innovators,” said the EU 40 statement.
The discussion will take place between 16:00 and 18:00 on October 18. Those wishing to attend should email brodie@eu40.eu and will also need to register. Further information can be found here.
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Terrific! For all that you can fault Trek for its pop-dcience-fiction and scientific inaccuracy, Trek has always been good at getting people, especially kids, interested in science, discovery, and exploration.
Side note, whenever I hear about a Trek cast member making an appearance to promote science or space exploration, it’s almost always original cast. I’d really love to see cast from the newer series stepping up and participating as well.