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      KPMG have partnered with pioneering Irish astronaut and bioastronautics researcher, Dr Norah Patten, as she prepares for a landmark moment in Irish history.

      As a named astronaut for the IIAS-02 mission, Dr Patten is preparing to become the first Irish astronaut to travel to space, marking a significant achievement for Ireland and an inspiration for future generations.

      Norah joins our portfolio of Brand Ambassadors alongside Rhasidat Adeleke, Leona Maguire and Rachael Blackmore. Together, these trailblazers reflect our commitment to supporting outstanding Irish talent and championing ambitious role models across sport, business and STEM.

      Background

      Dr Patten's story embodies the mindset that drives progress, embracing challenges, learning from setbacks and turning ambition into action.

      This partnership is also grounded in a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation. Despite progress, girls remain underrepresented in STEM pathways in Ireland.

      By supporting Dr Patten's journey, we hope to showcase what is possible when talent is nurtured and ambition is encouraged.

      Ryan McCarthy and Dr. Norah Patten Ryan McCarthy and Dr. Norah Patten
      I'm incredibly proud to become a KPMG ambassador. Preparing for a spaceflight mission requires rigorous preparation, strategic insight and discipline, values that are central to KPMG. Together, I hope we can show the next generation of Irish minds what is possible when ambition is supported and given the opportunity to thrive."
      Dr. Norah Patten

      Dr. Norah Patten

      Irish named astronaut and bioastronautics researcher

      Dr Norah Patten is a true role model, demonstrating incredible resilience, dedication and high performance. Through this partnership we want to play our part in making Ireland a place where people, ideas and innovation truly succeed, while inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders who will shape our future.
      Ryan McCarthy
      Ryan McCarthy

      Managing Partner

      KPMG in Ireland

      A mission to advance scientific discovery

      Beyond the historic significance of becoming the first Irish astronaut to travel to space, Dr Patten's upcoming IIAS-02 mission is first and foremost a research mission.

      The mission builds on previous scientific research carried out through the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), helping researchers gather valuable data that could support future human spaceflight and long-duration missions.

      A number of Irish experiments have been down-selected as part of the portfolio of IIAS-02 space science payloads and more details about the IIAS-02 research payloads will be announced later in 2026.

      The IIAS-02 spaceflight mission

      The IIAS-02 mission marks a first for Ireland: our first Irish astronaut.

      Dr. Norah Patten has been training with the IIAS-02 crew, ground crew and researchers for all phases of the spaceflight. 

      The IIAS-02 mission will bring together academic, government and commercial partners to maximise the scientific output, with research focused on female health, health technologies, fluids research, human performance, physiology and operational insights in microgravity environments.

      For Dr Patten, the mission represents the culmination of years of research, intensive training and preparation. It is a powerful example of how curiosity, collaboration and scientific innovation can turn ambitious ideas into tangible impact, both on Earth and beyond.

      Dr. Norah Patten Dr. Norah Patten

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