The Launching Space Biology workshop took place from May 22-26 2023, in Boulder, Colorado (USA), and gathered 40 scientists and early-career researchers from around the world to learn and discuss the novel field of space biology.

More information here: Home | Launching Space Biology Workshop (colorado.edu) 

The workshop was Funded by the Joachim Herz Foundation (JHS), and supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and BioServe Space Technologies, the Launching Space Biology workshop offered participants the access to a wide-range of lectures on several space biology topics: from mission design, hardware and methodology, to funding opportunities, networking and industry. Speakers included world-renowned scientists that have launched their biology aboard the International Space Station(ISS), as well as space agencies (e.g. ESA, NASA) and technology companies (e.g. Sierra Space, StarLab). 

The organizing team, led by Dr. Marta Cortesao, Hector Palomeque and Katharina Siems from the DLR, and by Dr. Tobias Niederwieser from BioServe, wanted to offer young scientists the opportunity to explore their knowledge, creativity and team work in what was the “Mission Design Challenge”. Therefore, throughout the week participants worked in teams, mentored by experts, to conceptualize and design a space biology mission (e.g. to the ISS, or Moon).

We counted with 6 amazing mentors:

Dr. Adrianna Blachowicz (NASA JPL, USA)

Dr. Rosa Santomartino (UK Center Astrobiology)

Dr. Adrienne Kish (National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France)

Dr. Fathi Karouia (NASA Ames, USA), Dr. Pamela Flores (UC Boulder, USA)

Katharina Siems (DLR, Cologne, Germany). 

The successful Launching Space Biology workshop served as an international hub for both young and expert scientists to engage in the field of space biology, encouraging new collaborations and exciting new research initiatives.