On 16–17 April 2026, in the auditorium of the University Centre for Innovation and Transfer of Technical and Natural Sciences Knowledge at the University of Rzeszów, in Building A0, at 1 Stanisława Pigonia Street, the 11th International Conference on Aviation and Space Law and Technology is taking place, organised by the Department of International and European Law of the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Rzeszów, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aviation at the Rzeszów University of Technology, EUROAVIA Rzeszów and Sky Control Team.

The theme of this year’s Conference is “Air and space as a new dimension of international security – challenges for international organisations”. The aim of the Conference is to present the latest scientific research and its findings, as well as to facilitate an inspiring exchange of views and experiences in the fields of aviation law, space law and technology.

The event provides a forum for dialogue between academia and practice, facilitating discussion on current regulatory challenges and the development of new solutions that shape the security and future of air and space.

Conference participants will take part in, amongst other things, lectures by recognised industry experts, panel discussions and workshops dedicated to the latest trends and challenges in aviation and space law. This is a unique opportunity to broaden their knowledge, establish valuable contacts and exchange experiences with other professionals and enthusiasts in the field.

The event’s honorary patrons are: the Polish Space Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, the Governor of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, the Mayor of Rzeszów, the Rzeszów County Administrator, the Rector of the University of Rzeszów, the Rector of the Rzeszów University of Technology, the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administration, the Mayor of Trzebownisko, and the Rzeszów Regional Development Agency.

The main partner of the event is the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The conference is co-financed from the Regional Innovation Strategy and European Funds for Podkarpacie 2021–2027

The Regional Innovation Strategy of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship for 2021–2030 (RSI WP) is a development programme designed to implement the Podkarpackie 2030 Voivodeship Development Strategy, setting out the economic policy directions of the Voivodeship Local Government (including in the field of innovation).

The main objective of the strategy is “the transformation of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship’s economic system towards a competitive economy, based on knowledge and the use of modern technologies, taking into account the aspirations of entrepreneurs, society and global development conditions”.

This objective is achieved by focusing on four main strategic objectives (strengthening the regional innovation system, enhancing the competitiveness and innovation of enterprises, developing human capital, and promoting the internationalisation of the economy) and horizontal objectives, including in particular industrial transformation and digitalisation, as well as the transition towards a circular economy.

The identification of smart specialisations, i.e. a limited list of priorities, is also intended to contribute to the achievement of the main objective of the RSI WP; this identification allows support to be targeted at research, development and innovation in areas with the region’s greatest innovation and competitive potential.

For the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, the following have been identified as smart specialisations: Aviation and aerospace, Automotive, Information and telecommunications, and Quality of life, built on four pillars: sustainable tourism, high-quality food, medical and health-enhancing services and products, and environmentally friendly energy.