The panel ‘Space Science: Pursuing Research & Development Efforts and Cooperation for Europe’s Competitive Edge’ brought together representatives from various space institutions to discuss strategies for advancing research and development, as well as fostering cooperation to enhance Europe’s competitive edge. Participants included (from left to right) ESA Director of Science Carol Mundell; European Defence Agency Director for Research, Technology and Innovation Nathalie Guichard, ASI Head of Scientific Missions Angelo Olivieri, ESRE Chair Josef Kaspar and Director of Slovak Space Office Michal Brichta.