Icons of Change International Awards 2025br br Dr. Erick Lansardbr Full Professor, Nanyang Technological University – Singaporebr Former VP Innovation & R&T, Thales Defense Mission Systems – Élancourt, Île-de-France, Francebr br Alcatel-LucentNokia Bell Labs Fellow br AIAA Fellow br Life Member of the International Academy of Astronautics br Life Member of the Air & Space Academybr br Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructurebr Changemaker for Space Innovation, Research, and Global Collaboration (France)br br ---br br Few careers in aerospace embody the synthesis of scientific rigor, corporate leadership, and academic mentorship as profoundly as that of Dr. Erick Lansard. Over nearly four decades, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of human ingenuity—pioneering new approaches to space system design, leading some of the most influential R\&D institutions in Europe, and nurturing innovation ecosystems across continents. His trajectory illustrates how vision, when paired with relentless pursuit of excellence, can shape industries, inspire nations, and expand the very horizons of human exploration.br br Dr. Lansard began his journey with the discipline of a scholar. Armed with an Engineering degree in Aeronautical & Space, a Master of Science in Fluid Mechanics, and a PhD in Space Geodesy, he entered the aerospace field during a period of rapid technological acceleration. His early work with Alcatel Espace in 1987 positioned him at the cutting edge of mission analysis, where he spearheaded advanced studies in radar observation, signal intelligence, telecommunications, and GNSS navigation systems. Even then, his projects reflected not just technical ambition, but also a clear vision: to make space systems not merely instruments of observation, but enablers of progress for science, defense, and society.br br As his career advanced, so did his influence. Rising to become Director of System Engineering and later Director of Architecture, Observation & Sciences Space Systems, he oversaw a portfolio that spanned optical, infrared, hyperspectral, and radar technologies. His leadership bridged the scientific precision of space research with the demands of global industry—ensuring that systems designed in Europe would set standards worldwide. In subsequent roles as Director of Research for Alcatel Space, Alcatel Alenia Space, and later Thales Alenia Space, he orchestrated large-scale research and technology programs across France and Italy, coordinating teams across Toulouse, Cannes, Roma, and Torino.br br But Dr. Lansard’s impact has never been confined to Europe. With his appointment as VP Technical & Space Development at Thales Solutions Asia in Singapore, he became a global bridge-builder—advancing innovation across Asia and creating opportunities for collaboration between industry, government, and academia.