OXFORD-PITTSBURGH WORKSHOP 2026
Space Medicine and Human Exploration
in the Era of the Moon and Mars
A multidisciplinary scientific conference & workshop hosted at the
University of Oxford with the University of Pittsburgh
DATES
16 - 20 NOVEMBER 2026
LOCATION
The Botnar Institute,
University of Oxford, UK
FORMAT
In-person
About the event
As humanity prepares for sustained presence on the Moon and eventual crewed missions to Mars, the physiological and biological challenges of deep-space travel demand urgent scientific attention.
The Oxford-Pittsburgh Workshop on Space Medicine and Human Exploration brings together world-leading scientists, clinicians, astronauts, engineers, industry partners, and students for a week of interdisciplinary discussion at the forefront of space medicine, space biology, and human exploration.
Hosted by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, the workshop will explore the challenges of sustaining human life beyond Earth and the scientific discoveries driving the future of long-duration spaceflight. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, practical workshops, and networking events, participants will examine how research conducted in space is transforming our understanding of human physiology, ageing, disease, and healthcare both on Earth and in space.
The programme spans topics including astronaut health, microgravity biology, radiation research, regenerative medicine, artificial intelligence, translational medicine, and the future of exploration missions to the Moon and Mars. Alongside internationally recognised speakers, attendees will have opportunities to engage directly with astronauts, researchers, and industry leaders while building collaborations across academia, healthcare, government, and the commercial space sector.
Why attend?
- Hear from global leaders : Learn from internationally renowned experts in space medicine, biology, ageing research, human physiology, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.
- Meet astronauts : Participate in dedicated astronaut sessions and panel discussions exploring the realities and future of human spaceflight.
- Discover cutting-edge research : Explore the latest advances in microgravity research, radiation biology, regenerative medicine, longevity science, and translational space health.
- Experience hands-on workshops : Gain practical insight into how spaceflight experiments are designed, developed, and translated from the laboratory to missions aboard the International Space Station and beyond.
- Present your research : Submit an abstract for the opportunity to present your work through oral or poster presentations. Selected student abstracts will be awarded fully funded bursaries to attend the workshop.
- Build your network : Connect with leading researchers, clinicians, astronauts, industry partners, funding organisations, and fellow early-career scientists from around the world.
- Explore future collaborations : Foster interdisciplinary partnerships that will help shape the next generation of human space exploration and space-enabled healthcare innovation.
Who should attend?
The workshop invites students, post-docs, early-career researchers or early-career industry professionals with an interest in space medicine, human physiology, ageing biology, radiation science, regenerative medicine, biotechnology, bioengineering, and human space exploration.This event is designed to bring together people from diverse disciplines to accelerate collaboration and inspire discoveries that will enable healthy, sustainable human exploration of space while delivering benefits for healthcare on Earth.
5
DAYS OF SCIENCE
10 +
EXPERT SPEAKERS
2
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
Oxford
UNITED KINGDOM
Confirmed speakers: Voices shaping the future of space medicine
Associate Professor Ghada Alsaleh
Leader of the Oxford Space Innovation Lab and Co-lead of the Oxford-Pittsburgh Space Workshop 2026
Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford
Professor of Surgery and Computational & Systems Biology, Director of the Center for Space Biomedicine, Co-lead of the Oxford-Pittsburgh Space Workshop 2026
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Former NASA Chief Scientist and longest-serving Director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division
Former NASA Headquarters
Professor of Genomics, Physiology & Biophysics and Principal Investigator of multiple NASA space biology missions
Weill Cornell Medicine
Chief Scientist for Orbital Reef at Blue Origin and former Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at NASA
Blue Origin, Formerly NASA
Director, Center for Space Biomanufacturing and Synthetic Biology
Trivedi Institute for Space and Global Biomedicine, University of Pittsburgh
Research Associate in Computational Biomedicine, leading multi-omics research across commercial human spaceflight missions
Mason Lab, Weill Cornell Medicine
Senior Research Fellow in Renal Medicine and co-leader of the London Tubular Centre
University College London
Senior Clinical Lecturer in Neuroscience, neurosurgeon and leading researcher in space neuroscience and astronaut neurological health
Keele University and UCS Medical
Professor of Genetics and Experimental Haematology, Director of SpaceOmix Ltd., and leader of Malta’s first biomedical research programme on the ISS
University of Malta
Professor of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science and internationally recognised expert in skeletal muscle ageing and the effects of microgravity on human health
University of Liverpool
Chief Science Officer, leading scientific strategy for commercial research, innovation and manufacturing in low-Earth orbit
Axiom Space
Principal Scientist specialising in commercial low-Earth orbit research, International Space Station mission operations and space technology innovation
Space Application Services
Assistant Professor specialising in microbiome science, systems biology and the effects of spaceflight on human health
University College Dublin
Chief Exploration Scientist and internationally recognised expert in astronaut health, human physiology and exploration science
European Space Agency
European Space Agency Astronaut Reserve and Mission Manager for In Space Manufacturing at the Satellite Applications Catapult
European Space Agency
Professor of Human Research and Space History at Kookmin University, Founder and Director The Korea Institute for Astronauts (KIFA)
South Korea
Lecturer in Medical Genomics and adjunct lecturer at the International Space University
University of Salford
Biology Scientist in the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration
European Space Agency
Dr Aya Aly
Senior Project Engineer developing microgravity life science and biotechnology programmes
Kayser Space UK
Dr Ramón Nartallo
Programme Manager delivering microgravity life science research for future human and robotic space missions
Kayser Space UK
Honorary Research Fellow at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Aviation Medical Examiner and former Irish Defence Forces Commandant
Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
Venue & Logistics
University of Oxford
Oxford, UK - one of the world's leading centres for biomedical research, providing the ideal setting for this interdisciplinary gathering at the intersection of space science and medicine.
| DATES | 16 - 20 November 2026 (inclusive) |
| FORMAT | In-person |
| CITY | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| CAPACITY | Limited - early registration advised |
| CONTACT | Space Medicine Organising Committee: spaceworkshop@ndorms.ox.ac.uk |
Registration and Fees
Applications are now open. Apply to attend the workshop, submit an abstract for presentation, and apply for a travel grant through a single online application form. More information below. Successful applicants will receive an invitation to register for the workshop.
The cost of registration includes a full 5-day workshop and a 3-course networking dinner at one of Oxford's prestigious colleges.
Application Deadline: 5pm (BST) 10th September 2026
| Registration Type | COST |
| STUDENT | £399 |
| EARLY-CAREER RESEARCHER | £499 |
Call for Abstracts
Are you an early career researcher, PhD student or young professional working in interdisciplinary science?
In your application, submit your abstract to be considered for a funded place at this year’s workshop. Up to 10 abstracts will be selected for presentation at the workshop. Each selected researcher will deliver a 7-minute presentation, followed by 3-minutes of questions and may be selected to present a poster in front of a multi-disciplinary international audience of scientists. Places are limited, so submit your abstract for the opportunity to present your research at the Oxford-Pittsburgh Student Workshop 2026.
For the outstanding students who will be selected, the workshop registration fee will be waived. Places are limited. Applications are reviewed by the organising committee on a rolling basis.
Apply for a Travel Grant
To support students and early career researchers in attending the workshop, we are offering a limited number of travel grants.
Travel grants are available to eligible applicants regardless of whether they submit an abstract. Applications can be made through the same application process as above.
Submit your application
Complete the applicant form through the 'Apply here' button above. You will be asked to provide your personal details, upload a CV and motivation letter, and (optionally) submit an abstract and/or apply for a travel grant.
Referees are contacted
If shortlisted, your nominated referees will be contacted directly by email and invited to submit a reference in support of your application.
Decision by committee
Applications are reviewed by the organising committee. You will be notified by email of the outcome of your application, including decisions on workshop admission, abstract submissions, and travel grant applications (where applicable).
Accept your place
Successful applicants will receive an invitation to register for the workshop and complete payment using the secure registration link provided.
Applications open · Limited places available
For logistics & admin enquiries, contact the Oxford Programme Organiser, Grace Frost at:
spaceworkshop@ndorms.ox.ac.uk