Alain Berinstain has been named director of the Florida Space Research Consortium, a statewide partnership focused on expanding space research, innovation and workforce development across Florida’s university system.
Berinstain also serves as director of the Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida and brings more than three decades of experience in government, industry and academia. From 1997 to 2013, he worked at the Canadian Space Agency, including as director of planetary exploration and space astronomy. He has also advised companies including Virgin Galactic and served in strategy roles at Space Tango and CSS Inc.
“I am honored to lead the Florida Space Research Consortium at a time of tremendous opportunity for space research and innovation,” said Berinstain. “Florida is the world’s busiest and best place to launch to space. I look forward to working with Florida universities, industry and government partners to accomplish together what no individual member of the consortium can achieve on their own and to advance Florida’s leadership in space.”
The Florida Space Research Consortium includes Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida A&M University, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida International University, Florida State University, UCF, the University of Florida (UF) and the University of South Florida. The group works with government, industry and investment partners to support space-related research and strengthen Florida’s space economy.
David Norton, UF’s vice president for research and chair of the consortium board, said Berinstain brings leadership experience, strategic vision and deep knowledge of the space sector.
Research across the consortium includes spacecraft, satellites, propulsion, communications, space materials, lunar operations, human health, food production in space, planetary science and Earth observation.