Didier Schmitt
Scientific Adviser and Foresight Coordinator
ECs Bureau of European Policy Advisors (BEPA)
Belgium

Biography
Didier Schmitt has a Ph.D. in immunology and pharmacology and a medical Doctor degree. His academic research focused on adaptation to space and other extreme environments. He was Assistant Professor at the Hospital and Medical School of Toulouse and Associate Professor at the International Space University in Strasbourg (1992-97). He headed the life sciences and space exploration preparation activities at the European Space Agency (1997-2006) and worked on a transversal applications programme in the ESA Director General's Office (2006-09). He was then seconded to the European Commission where he worked on European Space Policy (2009-12). He joined the Bureau of the European Policy Advisors of the President of the EC where he supports the Chief Scientific Advisor, being in particular in charge of foresight coordination.

Abstract


The upcoming data overflow is approaching like a fast speed train. Space data is no exception. The tendency is already in near real time information to the end users. New services and applications will open up unexpected frontiers, including physical ones like the use of and access to the Arctic. The frontier between space-based and 'ground' data will become completely interconnected, like for smart mobility, whereby advanced global navigation systems will be merged with local and embedded guidance systems. Remote sensing of environmental data will also be combined with personal and in situ data using an intricate information ecosystem in a 'sensors everywhere' era. Permanent availability of information in daily life – from healthcare to 'automated shopping' – will be fully dependent on the integrity of the 'addictive global information cloud'. So, the Achilles' tendon of any future human activity will be cyber-security; it will become a central and permanent concern. Quantum physics combined with data relay satellites could well be, needed for a de novo secure point to point 'space internet', for the civilian and the defence sector. Our brains will not be able to cope with the complexity of any of these systems. Autonomous decision-making will be the panacea. But will citizens trust 'The System'?