Fermín Romero, a distinguished Mexican international relations expert and space sector leader, has been nominated for the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2026. The nomination recognises his exceptional contributions to the advancement of space science, law, policy, and education across Latin America. As president of the Acercándote al Universo (FAU) Foundation and director and host of the Café Espacial series (16 Seasons / 210 Episodes), which won the 2021 National Broadcasting Award from the National Association of Broadcasters of Mexico, Romero has dedicated his career to democratising access to space knowledge and inspiring future generations of scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers throughout the region.
Romero holds a degree in International Relations from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and diplomas from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (TEC) and the Matías Romero Institute. He also received special training in International Security from the Defence Academy of Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. His extensive experience in federal public administration, primarily at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the General Directorate for the United Nations, has been instrumental in shaping Mexico’s space and telecommunications policies. He served as director for the Space Agenda, ICTs, and Telecommunications; director for the General Assembly and Specialised International Organisations; and director of International Security, where he contributed significantly to promoting the development of the space, telecommunications, and ICT sectors in Mexico. He played a pivotal role in promoting the establishment of the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) in 2003 and served as a member of its Governing Board from 2010 to 2013 and as an external consultant from 2013 to 2018. In November 2010, the CEA plenary appointed him VI Pro Tempore Secretary of the Space Conference of the Americas (CEA) for 2011 to 2013.
As director and host of the Café Espacial Series, Romero has created a leading Spanish language platform dedicated to the dissemination of space science, the NewSpace industry, space entrepreneurship, space law, geopolitics, economics, and astropolitics. Through interviews, analysis, and educational content, he has helped bring complex space related topics closer to students, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers, and the general public throughout Latin America. The series won the 2021 National Broadcasting Award from the National Association of Broadcasters of Mexico, a testament to its quality and impact in making space science accessible to a broad audience. His weekly column Café Espacial on the Aviación 21 website, with over 170 articles available, further extends his reach and influence in the aerospace community.
Romero serves as the director of the Mexican National Contact Point for the Latin American and Caribbean Space Network (ReLaCa Espacio), where he contributes to strengthening collaboration among space professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, and institutions across Latin America. He is also president of the Space Development Commission of the Doctoral Faculty of Global Leaders of the Global Federation of Leadership and High Intelligence and executive director of CI Consultoría Internacional. His leadership extends to serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mexican Society of Aerospace Science and Technology (SOMECYTA); a columnist for the Aviación 21 website; an advisor to the global network Mil Mentes por México Internacional; and a member of the Advisory Council of the Latin American Lunar Lobby (L3) of the Spanish Association of Aeronautical and Space Law (AEDAE), as well as the Complutense Research Group on Space Astronomy and Data Mining (AEGORA). His work supports the growth of an inclusive and internationally connected space ecosystem that positions Latin America as an active participant in the global space economy.
Romero has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. On September 1, he received the 2025 Patria Award for “Exemplary Mexicans” from the Global Federation of Leadership and High Intelligence, which honours leaders for their achievements in various fields; in his case, for his outstanding contributions to the space sector. On June 22, 2023, he received the “Mexicanos de 100” award from La Costeña, which recognises Mexicans who are making history. On May 8th 2026, he was elected as an Individual Member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). On May 25, 2023, he became an individual associate of the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP). On February 28, 2023, he received an honorary doctorate in STEM education from the Hispanic Doctoral Faculty of Global Leaders at the National Pedagogical University of the Toluca Valley in the State of Mexico. In December 2020, he received the Forjadores de México, Seguridad y Justicia 2020 Award for his professional career and social leadership, granted by the Fundación Cultural Forjadores de México A.C. for professional and social merit. In November 2020, he received an honorary doctorate in Creativity, Humanity, and International Culture from the Mexico Morocco Institutional Alliance for Creativity, Humanity, and International Culture (AICHYCI), which recognises international leaders for professional excellence, outstanding leadership, and exceptional contributions to nations.
As president of the Fundación Acercándote al Universo (FAU), Romero actively promotes scientific literacy, STEM education, and public engagement with space activities. Through conferences, outreach initiatives, and educational programs, the foundation seeks to inspire future generations and expand access to knowledge in communities that traditionally have limited exposure to the space sector. His commitment to education and outreach is further demonstrated through initiatives including FauKids and Fau Youth, which target younger audiences and foster early interest in science and space exploration. His work is driven by the conviction that space is not only a scientific frontier but also a catalyst for education, economic development, international cooperation, and social progress for Mexico, Latin America, and the world.
Romero is also the author of the chapter on Mexico in the book Space Regulation in Latin America, published by the prestigious publisher Springer Nature as part of the Space Regulations Library series, a testament to his expertise and authority in the field of space law and policy. He has the honour of serving on the Southern Space Studies Advisory Editorial Board for the same publisher. As a columnist for Aviación 21 (more than 200 published articles) and an independent consultant specialising in space affairs, he provides strategic analysis and thought leadership on matters related to the global space economy, emerging technologies, governance, public policy, commercial space activities, and international cooperation. His publications and professional contributions help decision makers, organisations, and audiences better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping the future space sector. Throughout his career, Romero has consistently worked to connect science, innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and public policy. He has served as a consultant on space affairs, business intelligence, competitiveness and innovation, and strategic planning for public and private sector organisations, foreign firms, chambers of commerce and industry, academic institutions, and civil society organisations. His forward looking vision for designing strategic scenarios related to economic trends has made him a valuable asset to organisations seeking to navigate the complexities of the space sector and its intersection with broader economic and geopolitical developments. His mission is to democratise access to space knowledge, promote talent development, encourage international collaboration, and position Latin America as an active participant in the global space economy.
What distinguishes Fermín Romero is his unwavering commitment to making space science and its benefits accessible to all. His ability to bridge the gap between complex technical and policy issues and public understanding has made him a respected and influential figure in the space community. His calm and thoughtful leadership style, combined with his deep expertise and passion for education, has earned him trust, respect, and recognition from colleagues, partners, and audiences across Latin America and beyond. He believes that space is a tool for social progress and that education and outreach are essential to unlocking its potential for the benefit of all humanity.
Fermín Romero’s nomination for the Outstanding Leadership Award at IMA 2026 celebrates his extraordinary contributions to the space sector and his unwavering commitment to education, innovation, and international cooperation. From his early days in public administration to his current role as a global leader in space law, policy, and outreach, Romero has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a true leader: vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on society. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a belief that space is not only a frontier to be explored but a tool to be used for the betterment of humanity.
