McGill Institute of Air and Space Law

08/14/2026

We’re delighted to unveil the program for the 75th Anniversary of the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law—a landmark celebration of scholarship, innovation, and community.

There’s still time to register and join us in marking this historic moment: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=cZYxzedSaEqvqfz4-J8J6idIRZuKzY5EtfYnyMapi9NUQzAyTFRRTDRXTVQ3MzgzVTQzMEoyMFJSMy4u&route=shorturl

08/05/2026

The first workshop for the Multilingual Interpretation of the Outer Space Treaty (OST) has officially concluded in San José, Costa Rica. Over two very productive days, participants engaged in detailed discussions focused on the Spanish‑language version of the OST, advancing a shared understanding of its interpretation across the authoritative languages. The workshop closed with a visit to the local planetarium—an inspiring reminder of the domain that brings this community together.

The McGill Institute of Air and Space Law is proud to have welcomed representatives from more than a dozen countries, whose contributions enriched this inaugural gathering and strengthened the collaborative spirit of the project.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Ioanna Sahas Martin (she/her/elle/ella) for her role in opening the workshop; to the Centro de Investigaciones Espaciales for generously hosting us on their campus; and to Maritza Chan and the team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Costa Rica for their help and support. We also thank our dedicated rapporteurs, Lorena Gualteros-Vanegas and Chelsea Barker, for their careful documentation and facilitation.

We look forward to sharing the results of this project that will contribute to ongoing discussions concerning the governance of outer space.

The Multilingual Interpretation of the OST is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

07/22/2026

The McGill Institute of Air and Space Law is proud to announce some exciting news: Prof. Andrea Harrington (PI) and Prof. Vincent Correia (Co-Applicant) have been awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Insight Grant for the project "Interpreting the Outer Space Treaty: Analysis and Reconciliation of the Text in its Authentic and Official Languages."

This research will examine the treaty's authentic and official language versions, addressing interpretive discrepancies with significant implications for its application and for international space governance. The first of its workshops will take place in San José, Costa Rica, on August 3rd and 4th.

We would also like to acknowledge our collaborators — Martina Elia Vitoloni, Charles Stotler, Mirette Elgawahry, Antonia Eliason, Elina Morozova, Olavo Bittencourt Neto, Di MEI — whose contributions have helped shape this project.
McGill University – Faculty of Law

07/08/2026

Yesterday, Professor Andrea Harrington, co‑director of the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law, delivered a lecture on International Space Law for the Summer Workshop on Teaching Space (SWOTS). The workshop, held in Washington, DC, was organised by Dr Gregory Miller at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (JHU‑SAIS).

07/08/2026

Having served as IASL Executive Director since 2022, Dr. Wedenig has recently departed McGill University to pursue new challenges.

Over the past few years, Dr. Wedenig has been a dedicated presence at the Institute. His contributions have helped shape the Institute's direction during this period, and we are grateful for his commitment and service.

As he moves on to this next chapter, we want to take a moment to thank him for his time with us and to wish him every success in his future endeavours.

06/11/2026

We're excited to welcome you to the 16th McGill Annual Conference on International Aviation Liability, Insurance and Finance — taking place September 10–11, 2026, at the McGill Faculty Club in Montréal, Québec.

This year’s program brings together world-leading experts to cover the latest developments across:

Geopolitical Challenges and the State of the Aviation Industry,
Air Carrier Liability,
Aircraft Manufacturing,
Airports, Ground Handlers, Air Navigation & Other Service Providers
Military & Civil Aviation
Artificial Intelligence, eVTOL & Emerging Technologies
Criminalization of Liability
Financing and Leasing
Insurance
Consumer Liability
🔗 Secure your spot:

Event Website

06/05/2026

Last Thursday and Friday, the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law co-hosted the inaugural Africa Space Law and Policy Conference together with the University Of Pretoria, Faculty of Law, South African National Space Agency, DTIC, and Department of International Relations and Cooperation. This two-day event included multiple insightful panels on space law and policy on the African continent, discussing questions of financing, militarisation of outer space, and new national policy developments. Professor Andrea Harrington was on two panels at this event, talking about the importance of domestic law in Africa and the development of military space activities. Dr Arnold Agaba, Ph.D. moderated the panel on financing space activities. The IASL also sent two Doctoral Candidates to help with the running of the event, Mirette Elgawahry and Judith S. Jahnke. We look forward to organising this event again next year!
hashtag Space Law and Policy Conference

05/15/2026

05/05/2026

The Institute, represented by Dr Arnold Agaba, Ph.D. and Ms Mirette Elgawahry, had the pleasure of attending and participating in the NewSpace Africa Conference in Libreville, Gabon, organised by Space in Africa. The conference has become an important gathering of leaders and innovators shaping the future of the continent’s space ecosystem.

Dr Agaba contributed as a moderator for the panel on satellite navigation, facilitating insightful discussions, activities and policy on satellite navigation in Africa. He also stepped in on behalf of Mr Memme Onwudiwe during the panel on national regulation, contributing to critical conversations around policy, governance, and enabling frameworks for the space sector.

Ms Elgahwary was an active participant throughout the conference and intervened resourcefully. Ms Elgawahry also took part in the meeting of the African Women in Space network convened by H.E. Thandikile Mbvundula, Vice President of the Council of the African Space Agency, which reflected on how to support the eager and growing community of African women contributing to the continent’s space trajectory.

We extend our sincere appreciation to SatNav Africa JPO and Space in Africa for the kind invitation to be part of the Conference and for convening such a dynamic and impactful event.

05/01/2026

📅 Mark your calendars!

This September 9th, join us at the McGill Faculty Club to celebrate a landmark milestone: the 75th Anniversary of the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law.

For 75 years, IASL has helped shape the legal frameworks that govern our skies and outer space, and trained generations of world-class legal professionals who carry that work across the globe. Our legacy is one of scholarship, leadership, and lasting global impact — and our best years are still ahead!

Full program and registration details coming soon. We hope to see you there. ✈️🚀

📅 Réservez la date !

Le 9 septembre prochain, rejoignez-nous au Faculty Club de McGill pour célébrer une occasion exceptionnelle — le 75e anniversaire de l'Institut de droit aérien et spatial de McGill.

Depuis 75 ans, l'Institut contribue à façonner les cadres juridiques qui régissent nos cieux et l'espace extra-atmosphérique, et a formé des générations de juristes de calibre mondial qui poursuivent cette mission aux quatre coins du globe. Notre héritage est celui du savoir, du leadership et d'un impact durable à l'échelle internationale — et le meilleur reste à venir !

Le programme et les détails d'inscription seront communiqués prochainement. Nous espérons vous y voir nombreux. ✈️🚀