Space at ESOF 2012

Over 4200 delegates attended the fifth Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF), held in Dublin from 11 to 15 July 2012, with papers covering the gamut of scientific research, applications and policy contributed by Nobel laureates, including James Watson and Jules Hoffmann, internationally recognized but ‘local’ figures such as Mary Robinson, Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Bob Geldof, ‘celebrity’ scientists like Marcus du Sautoy and Craig Venter and a range of other major researchers. Space was also represented, with keynotes by the NASA administrator and ESA's Director of Science and Robotic Exploration. This report summarizes and discusses the space-related proceedings.