Course detail

Welcome to Human physiology in space: adaptation mechanisms and research opportunities 

Program: BEN (also relevant for B, EB, CPM, CSLTM, HCHOP, and HES)

ONLINE OR/& IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE

Description:

This two-day PhD course introduces the field of space physiology, with a focus on human physiological adaptation to microgravity and extreme environments, and the development of research ideas suitable for space-based or analog experiments. The course combines lectures from leading researchers and ESA specialists.

 Day 1: Human Adaptation to Spaceflight

Participants will be introduced to the physiological adaptations associated with space missions, including cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and sensorimotor changes. Experts from ESA and international research institutions will present findings from analog studies such as bed rest campaigns, the Concordia Winterover program, and the International Space Station (ISS).

 Day 2: Countermeasures for spaceflight

The second day will focus on countermeasures to mitigate human deconditioning during spaceflight and analog missions. Topics will include exercise interventions, nutritional strategies, and innovative technologies for maintaining crew health and performance in space.

 By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the major physiological adaptations that occur during spaceflight and their underlying mechanisms.
• Identify current research priorities in human space physiology and challenges related to long-duration missions.
• Evaluate the role of analog platforms (e.g., bed rest, Concordia) in investigating space-related health risks.
• Understand the structure and objectives of ESA’s SciSpacE research program and its experimental platforms.
• Develop a research idea aligned with ESA’s space physiology priorities and proposal framework. 

Prerequisites

• Readings: A selection of key articles will be distributed before the course.
• Prerequisites: No prior experience in space research is needed   

Evaluation

Organizer: 

• Associate Professor Ryan Godsk Larsen, email: rl@hst.aau.dk
• Postdoc Enrico De Martino, email: edm@hst.aau.dk

Lecturers: 

Ryan Godsk Larsen, Enrico De Martino, David Green (European Astronaut Center), Tobias Weber (European Astronaut Center), Luke Hughes (Northumbria University), and other international speakers.

ECTS: 1,5

Date: 24, 25 February 2026

Time: 8.15-16.15

Place: TBA

City: Aalborg

Number of seats: 25

Deadline: 3 February 2026

Important information concerning PhD courses: 

There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.

We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.

To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.

For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at phdcourses@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.