UN Office for Outer Space Affairs appoints renowned physicist Brian Cox as UN Champion for Space

UNIS/OS/607
30 October 2025

VIENNA/NEW YORK, 30 October (UN Information Service) - The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) announced today the appointment of Professor Brian Cox as United Nations Champion for Space. At an event at UN Headquarters in New York, UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini presented the official certificate of designation to Professor Cox.

An internationally acclaimed physicist, author and broadcaster, Professor Cox brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and public engagement to the role. He is widely recognized for his ability to make complex scientific subjects accessible to global audiences through his books, lectures, and award-winning BBC documentaries. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to inspiring public interest in science and highlighting the wonders of space.

As UN Champion for Space, Professor Cox will support UNOOSA's outreach activities on priority issues and help foster greater understanding of the transformative potential of space technology in addressing global challenges, including climate change, disaster management and sustainable development.

"Professor Cox has inspired millions around the world with his passion for science and his ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way," said Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA. "His commitment to public understanding of science, and his deep belief in the power of space to improve lives on Earth, align perfectly with our mission at UNOOSA. We are honoured to welcome him as our Champion for Space."

"The quest to understand the night sky lies at the heart of modern science - in that important sense space has always been central to the development of our civilization," said Professor Cox. "Today, however, space-based infrastructure has become an essential component of our everyday lives, and will offer real, practical answers to the serious challenges we face. I'm proud and honoured to support the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in raising awareness of how space solutions can advance progress for us all. Their work is a powerful reminder that space is not just about the curiosity-driven exploration of the cosmos; it's about creating a stronger and more sustainable global economy for everyone on Earth, and moving humanity forward, together."

The honorary position follows the tradition of enlisting support of prominent individuals to draw attention to UN activities and highlight priority issues. Previous Champions for Space have included astronaut Scott Kelly, appointed in 2016.

About UNOOSA

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is the UN entity responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of outer space. Based in Vienna, Austria, it serves as the Secretariat for the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), the primary multilateral forum for space governance, where Member States are addressing emerging challenges including space safety and sustainability, use of space resources, and sustainable lunar activities.

UNOOSA works with governments, space agencies, industry, and academia to build capacity in space law, science and technology, and to ensure all countries, especially developing nations, can access and benefit from space-based solutions.

For more information, visit: www.unoosa.org

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For further information please contact:

Jennifer Dev
Associate Public Information Officer, UNOOSA
Email: oosa[at]un.org