Call for Expressions of Interest – Chair of the Group of Friends of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the Moon
The Group of Friends of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the Moon invites expressions of interest for the position of Chair of the Group.
The Group of Friends is an informal collaborative initiative bringing together the Moon Village Association (MVA), the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), with MVA serving as Secretariat.
About the Group of Friends of SSSI
As lunar exploration and utilisation enter a new phase, increasing activity on and around the Moon raises important questions concerning sites that may hold exceptional scientific value.
The Group of Friends provides a forum for dialogue, exchange of expertise and coordination among relevant scientific, technical, policy and space communities on Sites of Special Scientific Interest on the Moon.
A central objective of the Group is to bring together, compare and consolidate the perspectives and technical inputs of the different organisations and expert communities working on, or contributing to, the concept of lunar SSSI. In doing so, the Group seeks to build a common interdisciplinary understanding of the scientific, technical, legal, policy and operational considerations associated with the identification and future consideration of such sites.
Its work seeks to contribute to a better understanding of scientifically significant lunar locations and to support informed international discussions, particularly at UN COPUOS, on how such sites may be considered in the context of future lunar activities, while recognising the importance of scientific research, exploration and the peaceful and sustainable use of the Moon.
As an outcome of this work, the Group brings its consolidated discussions and expert inputs to UN COPUOS in order to inform delegations on areas of priority scientific interest on the Moon, the preliminary identification of relevant physical locations, and possible approaches to the future consideration and management of SSSI. The Group does so without prejudging intergovernmental deliberations, with the aim of providing a sound scientific and interdisciplinary basis for future international discussion.
Call for Chair
The Group of Friends is seeking a Chair who can provide strategic leadership and facilitate the continued development of the Group’s activities.
The Chair is expected to:
- provide overall leadership and strategic direction to the Group;
- chair meetings of the Group of Friends and facilitate constructive and inclusive discussion;
- support coordination among the participating organisations and relevant experts;
- help shape the Group’s priorities, activities and work programme;
- encourage engagement across scientific, technical, legal, policy and operational communities;
- represent, where appropriate, the work of the Group in relevant international fora and discussions; and
- work closely with the Moon Village Association, in its capacity as Secretariat, and with the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), in capacities of members, in preparing and following up the activities of the Group.
Expressions of interest are welcomed from individuals from UN COPUOS delegations that also have recognised experience in one or more areas relevant to the work of the Group, including:
- international space governance and diplomacy;
- lunar and planetary science;
- space exploration and lunar activities;
- international space law;
- sustainability and responsible space activities; or
- international scientific cooperation.
Indicative time commitment: approximately 3–4 hours per month, including participation in one monthly meeting and follow-up activities.
The position is voluntary, and it is intended to be exercised in an independent, collaborative and inclusive manner, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the Group of Friends.
Applications should be submitted to gro.noitaicossaegallivnoom@alsgeg no later than: 25 September 2026. Expressions of interest will be considered in accordance with the arrangements agreed among the participating organisations of the Group of Friends.
For further information, please contact:
Moon Village Association (MVA)
Secretariat of the Group of Friends of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the Moon
gro.noitaicossaegallivnoom@alsgeg