STARLab head among 11 recepients of Nebula Awards leading to space, astronautical fora
Date Posted: September 9, 2024 at 04:43 PM
Dr. Mark Angelo C. Purio, head of the Space Technologies and Applications Research Laboratory (STARLab) at Adamson University, has been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2024 SGC/IAC Nebula Award.
This award will enable him to participate in the 22nd Space Generation Congress from October 10-12, 2024, and the 75th International Astronautical Congress from October 14-18, 2024, both in Milan, Italy.
Dr. Purio is one of only 11 global awardees this year, and one of two from the Philippines.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 SGC/IAC Nebula Award. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the growing potential and future of the Philippines in the field of space and space exploration,” Dr. Purio said, expressing gratitude.
“Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where Filipino engineers and scientists will lead innovative space initiatives, inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars and beyond. If sky is the limit, then you are not aiming high enough!”
An Associate Professor in the Electronics Engineering Department at Adamson University, Dr. Purio also serves as the College Research Coordinator for the College of Engineering. In 2023, he established and now leads STARLab, which supports the university’s space-related initiatives and trains the next generation of space engineers.
Dr. Purio completed his doctorate in Space Systems Engineering at the Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan, where he contributed to satellite development projects. Notably, he was one of the engineers who co-developed Maya-2, the Philippines' first inter-university cube satellite, through the BIRDS-4 satellite project.
Dr. Purio is also the adviser of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space - Philippines (SEDS-PH) and volunteers for the IEEE Region 10 Student Activities Committee. Additionally, he leads the Space Advisory Council ACHIEVED Academy and is an active science communicator, advocating for STEM careers through various speaking engagements and talks.
The Space Generation Congress (SGC), held annually by the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), gathers top university students and young professionals passionate about space. Participants engage in discussions, share knowledge, and network with industry leaders. The outcomes of the SGC are compiled into a report presented at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and other international conferences.
