Mini-symposium “Life Beyond Earth” marks the launch of the European Space Medicine Network
Posted on 26 juni 2026
On 19 June, 2026, a mini-symposium titled “Life beyond Earth: Microbial Survival and Immune Health in Space” was held at the Huygens building in Radboud University. The event also marked the launch of the European Space Medicine Network, a new initiative focused on advancing collaboration in the field of space medicine.
The symposium featured two inspiring talks exploring different aspects of life beyond Earth.
Dr. Christine Hellweg, Vice Director of the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine, presented “Life beyond Earth: Coping with space radiation”, highlighting the impact of space radiation on living organisms and the challenges it poses for future human space exploration.
Prof. dr. ir. Inge Loes ten Kate, astrobiologist at Utrecht University, presented “Non-Earth life beyond Earth: Is Mars still a promising target”, exploring the search for life beyond our planet and the ongoing scientific questions surrounding Mars as a potential destination for astrobiological research.
The launch of the European Space Medicine Network, initiated by Radboud University Medical Center, marks an important step toward addressing the effects of space environments on human health and life.