The Next Frontier: Biotech Beyond Earth Conference
As humanity prepares for long-duration space missions, one of the greatest obstacles lies not only in rockets and satellites but in our own biology. Space travel exposes the human body to unique challenges, including microgravity, hypo-gravity and cosmic radiation, which accelerate aging and cause organ damage.
This conference will bring together leading experts to explore cutting-edge research and innovations that could make extended space travel a reality while shedding light on the invaluable lessons space biology offers for life on Earth. From addressing age-related conditions to tackling kidney disease to preserving brain function, the physiological insights gained from space are driving breakthroughs in healthcare here at home.
This is a conference aimed at showcasing how space biology is driving biotech breakthroughs and how life sciences can be leveraged to drive the Space Health agenda. It will be held at the Babraham Research Campus, a major life sciences research and innovation campus in Cambridge, UK.
The event is being organised by LinkGevity, a Cambridge-based, AI-enabled drug discovery company focused on aging and age-related deterioration, and Delta Biosciences, a developer of ultra-miniaturized screening technologies for drug discovery and space health applications. The strategic partners of the conference are the UK Space Agency and Space East.
AGENDA:
1:30-1:45pm Arrival and Registration with Refreshments
1:45-2:00pm Welcome Remarks
Matthew Cook, Head of Space Exploration, UK Space Agency
Dr Louise Jopling, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Babraham Research Campus
Stuart Catchpole, Regional Director, Space East
2:00-2:15pm – The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out – Why the UK Should See Space as a Sector for Innovation?
Member of the House of Lords’ UK Engagement with Space Committee
2:15-2:30pm – LinkGevity – A first in class Anti-Necrotic to revolutionise the treatment of ageing on Earth and Beyond
Dr Carina Kern, CEO and Founder, LinkGevity
2:30-3:10pm – Panel I: Overcoming Biological Hurdles and Pushing New Frontiers in Space
Dr Keith Siew, NASA SciX Lead Ambassador & Senior Research Fellow, UCL
Prof David Cullen, Professor of Astrobiology and Space Biotechnology, Cranfield University
Tuva Atasever, Astronaut, Turkish Space Agency
Prof Nandu Goswami, Cardiovascular System & Haematology, Medical College, MBRU, Dubai
3:10-3:30pm – Refreshments Break
3:30-3:50pm – Fireside Chat w/ a Special Guest (senior NASA representative) (TBC)
3:50-4:30pm – Panel II: How Advances in Space Can Reshape Innovation on Earth
Dr Carina Kern, CEO and Founder, LinkGevity
Prof Damian Bailey, Chair, Life Sciences Working Group, European Space Agency
Elizabeth Reynolds, Executive Director, Space Age, Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH)
Dr Christopher Puhl, Business Development Manager, Exobiosphere
4:30pm-5:10pm – Panel III: Investment opportunities in Space for Pharma & Biotech
Avantika Gupta, Principal, Type One Ventures
Paul Kamoun, CEO, SpacePharma-EU (TBC)
Anuj Ashar, Founder & General Partner, Asteria Space
Dr Miguel Ferreira, Biosciences Space Business Developer, Space Applications Services NV/SA
Chris Hall, Space Applications Delivery Lead, UK Space Agency
5:10pm – Cream Tea (scones with clotted cream and jam)
6:00pm – Close