On 21 and 22 October 2026, the first edition of the Science and Space Symposium | Biomedical Research beyond Earth will take place at Auditorium 52 (Edifício Egas Moniz, Lisbon), as a collaboration between GIMM CARE, a programme of GIMM – Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine, the Lisbon School of Medicine (FMUL – Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Portuguese Space Agency (PTSpace).
Over the course of two days, this symposium will foster discussion on emerging research areas and perspectives for scientific and translational development in the space context, with a particular focus on topics such as ageing, microbiome, radiation, and cardiovascular.
The programme includes scientific sessions, keynote lectures, poster presentations, and a public round table, with the aim of bringing together researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders from the space sector. The public session is intended to raise awareness in society about the importance of space research and its close connection to the prospects and challenges of space exploration.
This symposium will also feature the participation of several international speakers, as well as specialists and representatives from the organizing institutions.
Registrations closed.
Event Details
21-22 October 2026
Auditorium 52 (Edifício Egas Moniz)

Speakers
Program
Cláudia Faria, GIMM CARE Director
João Eurico da Fonseca, FMUL Dean
Hugo André Costa, Portuguese Space Agency Executive Director
Angelique Van Ombergen, European Space Agency (ESA), Chief Exploration Scientist
Moderator: Cláudia Faria, GIMM CARE Director
Moderator: Christiane Hahn, ESA, Science Lead for Biology
Kimberly Washington, Deep Space Biology, CEO
Moderator: Hugo André Costa, Portuguese Space Agency, Executive Director
Moderator: Isabel Gordo, GIMM, Group Leader
Moderator: Susana Constantino, FMUL – Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Professor)
Moderators: Cristóvão Sousa (GIMM CARE Head of R&D and Edson Oliveira (FMUL – Centro de Estudos de Medicina Aeroespacial, Coordinator)
Biobank Showcase: Ângela Afonso (GIMM, Biobank Technical Manager)
Moderator: Fausto Pinto (FMUL – Centro de Estudos de Medicina Aeroespacial, Director)
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Moderator: Sara Sá (GIMM, Science Communication Lead)