Prof. Bernard H. Foing is a pioneering space scientist, educator, and innovation leader whose career spans decades at the forefront of lunar and planetary exploration, human spaceflight, and the fusion of science, technology, and art.

He currently serves as President of Space Renaissance International, Executive Director of ILEWG (International Lunar Exploration Working Group), and CEO of LUNEX EuroSpaceHub and EuroMoonMars Earth Space Innovation. He is also Chief Scientist at QOMOSYS, ERA Chair at the University of Riga, and a guest professor at institutions including Leiden Observatory, ISU (International Space University), and IPSA, having previously held academic roles at EPFL and VU Amsterdam.

A former Chief Scientist of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Senior Advisor to the ESA Director General, Prof. Foing has played key roles in numerous flagship missions. He was the Lead Scientist of SMART-1, ESA’s first mission to the Moon, and has served as Co-Investigator on missions such as SOHO, XMM-Newton, BIOPAN, Mars Express, COROT, ExoMars, and multiple biology experiments aboard the ISS including Expose and BIOMEX.

His scientific contributions include over 980 publications, of which 240 are peer-reviewed, and the editing of 10 scientific volumes. Holding a PhD in astrophysics and space techniques, he has conducted research at institutions such as CNRS, Lockheed, Harvard, Sacramento Peak Observatory, and ESO Chile, and earned his Habilitation in 1990.

Prof. Foing is a full member of the International Academy of Astronautics and Vice-Chair of COSPAR’s Planetary and Exploration Panel. He is actively involved in multiple IAF committees, including space exploration, astronomy, space habitats, traffic management, and cultural engagement (as a former chair of ITACCUS).

He is the founder of ArtMoonMars and co-founder of the Moon Gallery initiative, both of which bridge space science and artistic expression. A visionary advocate for sustainable human presence beyond Earth, he also helped establish the Moon Village concept and the Moon Village Association, and is Co-Director of the International Moonbase Alliance.

Prof. Foing’s work continues to inspire new generations to think boldly, act collaboratively, and expand the human frontier with a blend of scientific rigor, cultural imagination, and planetary responsibility. Learn more here.