More people than ever before are going to space, owing to developments from commercial spaceflight companies like SpaceX and Axiom Space, a new dawn of space tourism through Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic and nations like China and India becoming involved in human spaceflight.

However, space is not kind on the human body. Microgravity, radiation, isolation and disruptions to circadian rhythms pose threats to the health of astronauts and regular citizens while visiting the great beyond. New medical techniques and technology have been developed to preserve human life in space and these often create spinoffs that benefit human health on Earth. Conversely, the cutting edge of medical and life sciences research such as precision medicine and AI driven image analysis will play a crucial role in helping astronauts go further, for longer.

As Germany makes a significant contribution to human spaceflight through hosting and supporting the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne and Australia has world leading medical and life science research capability, as well as remote and harsh environments ideal for simulating medical self-sufficiency, there is a solid foundation for further partnership in this highly specialised but highly rewarding sector.

At this event we are bringing together bright minds from both the space and the life science sector to discuss and explore where these industries can complement and augment each other, especially in the relationship between Australia and Germany. We will welcome the Australian subsidiary of German life sciences and medical technology company Merck who have engaged in research on the International Space Station and they will be joined by representatives from ASA, DLR, CSIRO, SA Health and the University of Adelaide who are researching the intersections of space and health.

There is the opportunity for event attendees to take part in a guided tour of the SAHMRI Building prior to the event. During the tour you will learn more about the ongoing high-quality research, collaboration and promotion of knowledge relating to human medicine and health and the well-being of the community performed at the SAHMRI. The tour is limited to 15 people and will run from 1 pm to 2 pm. Please arrive at 12:45 pm for the tour. Please note, the tour is only available in conjunction with event attendance. You can book the tour with your ticket.

Adelaide, with a growing and formidable reputation in both the space and life sciences areas, and a strong German business and science community, offers the perfect setting for this event. Ticket includes drinks and light catering during networking.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Josie Downey, Managing Director Merck Healthcare ANZ. Josie is a Business leader with 25 years diverse experience in globally iconic brands and a progressive career in the biopharmaceuticals industry across Asia Pacific,
• Nathan O’Callaghan Ph.D from CSIRO, who is the leader of the Precision Health Future Science Platform and was also a member of the Australian Space Agency Technical Advisory Group on Space Medicine and Life Sciences.
• Tori Tasker from the Australian Space Agency who is responsible for human spaceflight, life sciences and medical technology and is developing the Applied Space Medicine and Life Sciences Roadmap,
• Dr Sven Baerwalde from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) who is responsible for International Relations in Australia and has over a decade of experience in Aerospace Medicine at DLR,
• Dr Vienna Tran who is a medical doctor and space medicine researcher, researching the effect of artificial gravity on the hip muscles in astronauts and terrestrial patients during a prolonged bed rest analogue.
• Jamshed Ahmed, Medical Director and Innovation Lead, Merck Healthcare ANZ who is a medically qualified life science executive with over 25 years of global healthcare experience. Additionally he has a passion for space and studied aerospace engineering.
• Thomas Mueller, Analyst – Cluster Energy & Space Coordinator at the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commverce, who will be the MC for the panel discussion.

Our Sponsors & Partners

• Department for Trade and Investment SA: Thank you for coming on board as a sponsor of this fantastic event.
• German Business Chamber of South Australia (GBCSA): Thank you for being our local event partner!

Agenda:

2 pm: Arrival and Registration
2:15 pm: Welcome and Keynote (Merck Healthcare)
2:45 pm: Panel Discussion – Opportunities for space and life sciences collaboration between Australian and German research and industry.
4 pm: Networking with light refreshments and drinks
5 pm: End of Event