Nationality: Finnish

Country of Residence: France

Nominator: Steven Freeland

Supporters: PJ Blount, Frans von der Dunk, Niklas Hedman, Stephan Hobe, Mahulena Hofmann, Irmgard Marboe, Sergio Marchisio

Professional path (including present position)
I work at the European Space Agency (ESA) in Paris advancing knowledge and action on the impact of space activities to global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and space debris. Prior to joining ESA, I worked at national government, where I led a team responsible for space law and policy, national coordination, international representation, licensing and supervision of national space activities. In this role I acted as the Secretary General of the Finnish Space Committee. I have held various delegate roles in international organisations relevant for space activities, including at ESA, the European Union and the United Nations (UN). In 2021 I was elected as the First Vice-Chair of COPUOS, the only UN committee dedicated entirely to space matters, consisting currently of over 100 member states.
During the nearly 20 years of my professional career, I have been dealing with various questions of application of law to evolving technology. Before the public service, I have worked in the private sector at Airbus Space and Defence, Nokia, and Bird & Bird Attorneys, where I specialized in technology, telecommunications, satellites and space law. In this context, I acted as an external legal advisor to the working group on the Finnish Act on Space Activities.

Education and degree
Alongside my work I am currently a part-time doctoral researcher in space law at the University of Helsinki, Finland. I hold a LL.B in English and European Laws (Hons.), with a dissertation in Public International Law, a LL.M degree in International Business Law with a focus on European Union law as well as a Master’s degree in Public International Law with a dissertation on Space Law.

Main publications in English
Journal/IISL Proceedings articles:
Tapio, J: The Finnish Space Act: En Route to Promoting Sustainable Private Activities in Outer Space, Air & Space Law, (2018) vol. 43 , no. 4/5.
Soucek, A & Tapio, J: Normative References to Non-Legally Binding Instruments in National Space Laws: A Risk-Benefit Analysis in The Context of Domestic and Public International Law, Proceedings of the International Institute of Space Law, vol. 2018, no. 4. Tapio, J & Soucek, A: National Implementation of Non-Legally Binding Instruments: Managing Uncertainty in Space Law?, (2019) Air & Space Law, 44(6).
Soucek, A & Tapio, J: Does the End Justify the Means? A Legal Study on the Role and Consequences of Normative Pluralism in International Space Governance, Proceedings of the International Institute of Space Law, vol. 2020, no. 6.
Palmroth, M., Tapio, J., Soucek, A et al.: Toward Sustainable Use of Space: Economic, Technological, and Legal Perspectives. Space Policy (2021), vol. 57.
Tapio, J & Soucek, A: Standardization As an Instrument of Cooperation: A Silver Lining for Harvesting Common Benefits on The Way Back to The Moon? Proceedings of the International Institute of Space Law, vol. 2021, no. 7.
Soucek, A & Tapio, J: Legal Standardization in the Space Sector and Its Role in the Long- Term Sustainability of Space Activities: Regulation by Stealth or a Function Creep? Air and Space Law, Volume 48, Special Issue (2023)

Book chapters:
Tapio, J: Introduction: Finland in Space Law: Basic Legal Documents, Eleven Publishing, 2018.
Tapio, J & Soucek, A: The European Space Agency’s Contribution to National Space Law Making, in International Actors and the Formation of Laws, Springer, 2022.
Tapio, J: Practical Experiences with Finland’s National Space Legislation and Lessons Learned, Routledge Handbook on Commercial Space Law, Routledge, 2023.
Tapio, J: Freedom of Exploration and Use of Outer Space in Space Law Framework for Space Activities, ISTE and Wiley, 2024.

Membership and professional affiliation
In addition to the membership in the IISL, I am a Member of the Board, European Centre for Space Law (ECSL); Corresponding Member, International Academy of Astronautics (IAA); Permanent Committee on Space Traffic Management (STM), International Academy of Astronautics (IAA); and Alternate Member - Finland, Space Law Committee of the International Law Association (ILA).

Awards and other accomplishments
Awarded the highest grade (1 st class honours), LL.B in English and European Laws (Hons.) from the University of Essex (U.K). Attorney-at-Law, admitted to the Finnish Bar (2017). Referandary, Finnish Government (2020).

Space law expertise
I am a practitioner with an academic interest. I have a genuine passion in space and in space law. Alongside my professional work in the space sector I pursue the final stages of my PhD in space law. In the context of my previous positions, I have served as a delegate in many international bodies dealing with space law and policy matters, including a vice-chair position in the main committee of COPUOS and in the ESA international relations committee. I have participated in the making and implementation of the Finnish national space law. I have professional expertise in the private sector both working as an in-house counsel in companies and as an attorney dealing with matters relations to space, security and telecommunications
topics. I have served as a lecturer in space law for example in the ECSL courses on space law and policy, the ESA Academy space law courses and the International Space University Summer Studies Programme (ISU SSP). I engage actively with the space community in space law and policy related events.

IISL Position applied for
Director

Specify your relationship with the IISL
I have been an IISL member for 10 years and a director since 2021. I have been actively involved in the European rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition (MLMCC) during these years, first serving as a faculty advisor for the University of Helsinki team and since 2020 as a judge for the written and oral European rounds. I have also acted as a judge in the world semi-final in 2022. I am a member of IISL directorate of studies and in 2017 I was a contributing member in the IISL working group on space and cyber law. I have served as a member of the IPC for the IISL colloquium in the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). I have contributed to the IISL-ECSL Symposium as a speaker in 2022 on the topic of “International Cooperation for Sharing National Legal Mechanisms and Best Practices” and to the IISL Knowledge Constellation of the issue of large constellations of small satellites. I have actively reported on events in the IISL newsletter and promoted the IISL membership to colleagues in the academia and the aerospace industry.

Specify the reason for applying for the postition and how you can serve IISL
I wish to express my interest for re-election in the Board of Directors of the IISL. I hope to continue to contribute the development of space law through the directorate of studies, as well as various outreach activities and active engagement with the international space law community. In particular, I would like to support the young aspiring lawyers to find their path in this fascinating field of law. I have found teaching and engaging with the students very rewarding. Continuing the work with the MLMCC in the context of the IISL and helping students to see how diverse career prospects space holds is dear to me, and something that I enjoy immensely. I would also like to actively further interdisciplinary approach in solving our big questions such as sustainable, intergenerational use of outer space. I have always had such an admiration to those involved in space technology and science, together we can learn from each other and contribute better.

Name, Surname of Nominator
Steven Freeland

Nominator's reasons for nominating the nominee
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jenni for many years. She is a well-informed expert who approaches her work with responsibility and diligence. Her passion for the IISL and the broader space-related community is evident, as she eagerly delves into the intricacies of space law and policy, actively working with issues relating to space sustainability. With a wealth of practical experience, I believe Jenni brings important insights to the IISL, arising from her first-hand understanding of the implementation of national space laws, coupled with her ability to identify challenges and propose effective solutions.

Having navigated both private sector and governmental roles and now working in an international organisation, Jenni has a wide perspective with regard to space activities. She understands the concerns and requirements of diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration and identifying common interests. Moreover, her involvement in shaping national space legislation can assist emerging spacefaring nations and professionals.
Jenni is enthusiastic, proactive, and seeks to contribute meaningfully to the global space community. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, where diverse viewpoints are respected and shared, and her active engagement with the young space law community, by participating in teaching and the moot court activities, is important in the promotion of space law. For these reasons, I happily nominate her for the role of Director, and look forward to her further contributions to the Institute.

Supporters:

PJ Blount

Frans von der Dunk

Niklas Hedman

Stephan Hobe

Mahulena Hofmann

Irmgard Marboe

Sergio Marchisio