Aberdeen Ups Space Law, Hires Dr. Maria Manoli

The University of Aberdeen appointed Dr. Maria Manoli as a new lecturer. In a 9th November announcement, the university stated that she will play a key role in redeveloping space law in the curriculum. Dr. Manoli will also advance research activities at the school.

One of the first schools to bring space law into its curriculum 

Aberdeen Law School was one of the world’s first to incorporate space law into its curricula and research. As the UK marches on to its target of securing a ten per cent share of the global space market by 2023 (which is worth £400 billion), the university is also investing with the appointment of Dr. Maria Manoli. 

Greg Gordon, the Head of School, said the following:

“It is an exciting time for research in space law and the geopolitics that revolve around it. We are delighted to have someone of Dr. Manoli’s experience join us and look forward to providing more opportunities for students to study this vibrant area of the law.”

Dr. Maria Manoli has a great reputation in the industry

This is a statement appointment by the University of Aberdeen, as Dr. Manoli has worked on a number of significant projects, including developing global laws for the exploration of space natural resources. 

She said the following about her appointment:

“The University of Aberdeen has traditionally occupied an important place in the milieu of Law Schools that offer space law.

“Coming from the Institute of Air and Space Law, I was looking for a place with a history in space law that would allow me to focus on my area of expertise and take it a step further while creating synergies with colleagues in areas such as in the arc of environmental and energy law for which the School is also known worldwide.”

Voices from many corners

There is a clear need to reform space law, as it is out of date at the moment. A lack of space regulation on the global stage poses a risk to space activity in the future, and it is critical that we have many great minds working on this.

There are currently numerous gaps in international space legislation. A lot of today’s extra-terrestrial endeavours do not lie within the scope of the Space Treaties or the treaties simply do not cover them. 

Previously, no activity existed that would have fallen in these gaps. Today, these activities do exist. which is why reform is critical, and with input from voices from many corners needed.