Fiona Naysmith

Research Student

Fiona Naysmith is a PhD student affiliated with The Open University Law School and is also an affiliate member of AstrobiologyOU.

You can email Fiona Naysmith directly but for media enquiries, please contact a member of The Open University's Media Relations Team.

Biography

Fiona Naysmith holds a Master of Laws in Space Law (with Distinction) from Northumbria Law School (2022), a Bachelor of Law from Nottingham Law School and a Diploma in Theatre from the Guildford School of Acting.

Current Research

PhD Thesis, Working Title (2023-2025) 'International Criminal Law: Holding Non-State Actors Accountable for Harms or Threats thereof to the Environment of Outer Space'.

In her current research, Fiona is investigating the content of the duties and responsibilities of the private space sector, and with particular regards to the development of space law and governance which supports an equitable and sustainable future in outer space. This research is undertaken in tandem with investigation into applicable enforcement mechanisms at both the international and national level. Related areas of interest include the governance of space-based artificial intelligence, and space dependent technologies capable of use in warfare.

Impact and Engagement

Supervisors

Dr Thomas Cheney

Professor Simon Gardiner

Dr Marjan Ajevski