"Meet ECSL Members" Series: María del Carmen Muñoz Rodríguez, Associate Professor in Public International Law and Director of the Cátedra Universitaria AstroÁndalus in Air, Space and Astronomical Studies at the University of Jaen (Spain)

1. Hi Carmen! How has your day been?

Hi! Thanks for this interview! It has been very busy as always… I am a Professor but, since 2019, I also work at the Rector’s Office (Legal Affairs Unit).

2. Can you introduce yourself briefly?

I got my Law Degree at the University of Granada. Then the Government of Andalusia granted me a scholarship to do my Ph.D. at the University of Jaen. I consider myself very fortunate to work in an area that I am passionate about.

3. How did you decide to specialise with a masters in space law and telecommunications in France after already completing a PhD in law in Spain prior?

My doctoral thesis focused on democracy and human rights and the external action of the European Union. However, I wanted to specialise also in Outer Space Law. I knew that the best way was to ask for a leave from work and to attend the Masters in Space and Telecommunications Law at the former University Paris-Sud (today Paris-Saclay). Nowadays, I continue doing research in both fields.

4. Can you tell us a bit more about the University Chair AstroÁndalus in Air, Space and Astronomical Studies, your activities within it and possibilities for other interested researchers to join?

The University of Jaen recently signed an agreement with the enterprise AstroÁndalus to sponsor a University Chair in Air, Space and Astronomical Studies. I was nominated as the Director; Prof. Juan Manuel de Faramiñán Gilbert is the Co-Director.  We are going to carry out several activities: teaching, research and the so-called ‘third mission’ (education, scientific productivity and socio-economic interaction with non-academic environments) mainly in Space Law. We will invite other interested researchers to join in the next months.

5. Have you seen a change in the academic sector, both nationally and Europe-wide, since you have started your career?

The space academic sector is clearly growing in Europe. However, a very small number of international lawyers are involved in Spain. We hope to change this. Given the will of the Spanish government and the expansion of the national space economy, it follows that space lawyers are expected to be in increasing demand.

6. You were able to learn and work under a highly established professor in public international law, Professor Juan Manuel de Faramiñán Gilbert. What advice do you have for ECSL members looking for mentors in the space sector?

Yes, I had the great opportunity to meet Prof. Faramiñán when I was a student. He convinced me to participate in the ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy and in the Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition. Since then, we enjoy working together. It is important to take part in ECSL activities (in person or online) because you can meet and talk to the best professors or practitioners.

7. You have been involved in many professional organisations, amongst others ECSL. You have been a member for 15 years and a Board Member for 8 years. How have you been able to give back to the ECSL community through this esteemed position?

I have been heavily involved in a number of studies and projects and have contributed to several ECSL events, including lecturing at the ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy, judging the Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition or co-organizing the Young Lawyers’ Symposium. Furthermore, I am willing to help my colleagues and, of course, the young members whenever they need me.

8. University of Jaen has supported many ECSL activities, such as the Summer Course in 2010, and you are now organising the Manfred Lachs Moot Court in 2023 – how has this influenced the teaching of space law there?

Space law is traditionally just one point in the large programme of the Course “Public International Law”. However, the students are increasingly interested in doing their Ph.D. and developing a professional career in that field.

9. What can you tell ECSL members who are thinking about coming to Jaen for the MLMC 2023?

We are so pleased to host the Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition 2023. Those who attended the 2010 ECLS Summer Course enjoyed a marvelous experience in Jaen. We hope to again offer the best academic experience in our Campus during the Andalusian springtime. So, you are all welcome!

10. Organising the first in person moot court after 3 years of pandemic is surely a challenge – how are you hoping to collaborate with the ECSL in order to ensure the safest and best possible experience for the participants?

Yes, it will be a big challenge! Of course, we will follow the instructions of the authorities and we will execute all the measures to ensure the safest experience for the participants.

11. As a Board Member, what is one thing you would like to see the ECSL do in the future?

I would like to see a consolidated ECSL and a network of NPOCs all across Europe playing a crucial role in promoting Space Law and International Cooperation in a peaceful world.