EJR-Quartz

The European Space Agency (ESA) conducts world-class science, unlocking the secrets of the universe. It launches and operates satellites that connect people, monitor the climate and guide drivers to their destinations. Its astronauts launch to the International Space Station. And it trusts EJR-Quartz to relay these achievements to the world.

EJR-Quartz enables ESA and its other clients to communicate with their chosen audiences through carefully crafted, culturally attuned communication.

“Ever since we started over 25 years ago, our motto has been ‘Content Matters.’,” says Erica Rolfe, Co-Founder and Managing Director. “In a world where people are drowning in inaccurate, trivial or morally dubious content, we deliver carefully crafted, verified content from trusted sources to tell your story.”

Content Matters

With Ariane 6’s inaugural launch in July 2024, Europe regained its place as a world space power. EJR-Quartz crafted the content for the flagship communication campaign for the first flight, working closely with ESA’s communications officers.

“Our editors were present in all meetings from early campaign discussions to launch-day planning, developing strong relationships across the project,” says Erica. “This ensured access to informative and pre-approved content that helped us translate technical terms or political messages into a language a wide audience could understand.”

As engines were tested and payloads were shipped, the world turned to ESA’s website for timely updates, including articles, visuals, interviews and multimedia explainers provided by EJR-Quartz.

Social media channels lit up with engaging Ariane 6 content for months before launch. The team tailored content to each channel’s audience, from short-form Instagram reels written and presented by EJR-Quartz editors to longer videos.

“The entire EJR-Quartz consortium came together to make sure Europe knew why Ariane 6 matters,” says Erica. “I am proud and grateful to work with such knowledgeable, talented teams on an important topic.”

Strength in Diversity

Established over 25 years ago as a two-person partnership, EJR-Quartz employs 75 people of 20 nationalities in six European countries.

“We have a diverse team of dedicated people who give their all and are extremely passionate about their work,” says Erica. “Sometimes I am blown away by their creativity and enthusiasm.”

EJR-Quartz recently won a five-year multi-million-euro contract to supply all corporate communication services for ESA, including editing, video, live TV, graphics, media relations, outreach services and logistics. It now leads a consortium with a service team of 100 people.

It is also helping other international organisations communicate their messages. For instance, the Copernicus Marine Service provides free, open-access data on the state of the oceans.

EJR-Quartz was asked to increase awareness among the general public about ocean climate indicators and encourage companies to explore the data provided. It assembled a team of editors to work with web developers to create user-friendly portals with stories and educational material.

Human at Heart

For the past 15 years, EJR-Quartz has been a valued partner in the international communication strategy of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), driving global awareness of DLR’s research. It has won the contract to support DLR corporate communications with English-language activities at a competitive tender four times.

The EJR-Quartz team, working with DLR, has introduced new technologies like AI to improve workflows, resulting in timely, high-quality translations and original production of DLR content, meticulously reviewed for scientific accuracy and adherence to corporate messaging.

“AI can support in producing translations,” says Erica “But when it comes to producing content for a specific target audience, quality control by an informed, mother-tongue editor is essential.”

EJR-Quartz’s long-standing relationships with DLR’s corporate communications team ensure English content is published concurrently with the German, enabling global partners and international media to access and report on the latest news in real time.

“Space organisations must maintain trust as the world becomes ever more complex geopolitically,” says Erica. “Space is vital to daily life. To maintain credibility, space organisations need carefully crafted, verified content for their communications.”