George A Danos

Expertise:
Space Industry Space research astronomy

George A Danos is a Recognised Eminent Alumnus, of Imperial College, London. He holds the prestigious title of Honorary Member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), in recognition to his significant contributions to the progress of astronomy and space science. He was elected Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), for outstanding contribution to the exploration of space.

He was Creator and Founder of Virgin BizNet, one of most lucrative business ventures of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group - whilst aged 27, after pitching at the “House” of Richard Branson.

He led several societies, groups, companies and organisations in the UK and Europe in general.

He is a leading space personality of Cyprus who has dedicated his life, promoting and mentoring astronomy and space research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Cyprus and around the world. He formulated and led space research projects, and nurtured the local space community of Cyprus, seeing notable achievements and multiple international awards, seeding the next generation of scientists that would uptake astronomy and space science as a professional career.

His efforts have raised Cyprus space science to international excellence. He led the campaigns that saw Cyprus join the European Space Agency, the International Astronomical Union, and the International Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). He was responsible for the establishment of the Cyprus Space Centre and notably for Cyprus being selected as an International Astronomy Education Centre of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

He chaired many international groups, panels, summits, and symposia, that facilitated international space collaboration and diplomacy. He brokered international agreements, such as the high-level international agreement (including NASA-USA and IKI-RUSSIA) to consolidate global scientific efforts relating to Mars space-missions, selecting Nicosia as permanent base for the Mars Upper Atmosphere Network (MUAN). He chaired the First Online Global Moon Village Workshop and Symposium, that facilitated international space diplomacy with the creation of the Global Experts Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA), encompassing the participation of all space faring nations. As Chair of the Moon Analogues Working-Group, he brokered and announced at the 70th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) Washington-DC, the “International Moon Analogue Consortium”.

He is Council Member - the highest governing body - of the International Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). He serves as Vice-Chair of the Panel on Innovative Solutions (PoIS) of the International Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). He also served as Chair of the Moon Village Association (MVA) Moon Village & Exploration Analogues Working Group and Coordinator of the Middle East and Africa for the Moon Village Association. Before his election as President of the Parallel Parliament for Entrepreneurship, he served as Dean and MP of the Parallel Parliament for Research, Innovation and Digital Governance of Cyprus. He sits on several Committees of the International Astronautical Federation.

He coordinates the “2030: SpaceWorks” webinars, featuring prominent scientists and Nobel Laureates, with ½ million global viewership, making space more approachable to the wider public.