- RMA Brussels, 5 June, 2026.
AGENDA
09:30 |Arrival and registration
10:00 |Welcome by the host
• Geert De Cubber, Head of Unit of the Robotics & Autonomous Systems unit, and Daniela
Doroftei, Senior Researcher, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Belgian Royal Military
Academy
10:10 |“Engagement of talents through the European Defence Challenge – contribution to skills development and future career pathways”
• Manuelita Mancini, Director of Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini
“From STEM to strategy: Empowering young minds to shape Europe’s aerospace & defence future: reflections on the proposals received”
• Dorota Stadnicka, Professor at the Rzeszów University of Technology
10:30 |Keynotes
“Securing the future: Building and retaining talent for European defence”
• Ugo Celestino, DG DEFIS, European Commission
“European Defence Readiness 2030”
• Dr. Burkard Schmitt, Director Defence, ASD Europe
11:00 | “Reshaping the naval ecosystem & engaging academic stakeholders”
• Clara Normant, Communication Manager, Naval Group Belgium
11:10 |Presentation of the EDC VI finalists’ proposals
11:25 |Announcement of the winners
11:30 |Final remarks and announcement of next edition
• Manuelita Mancini, Director of Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini
• Dorota Stadnicka, Rzeszów University of Technology
