Annual International Society For Gravitational Physiology Concludes In Dubai
The 43rd Annual International Society for Gravitational Physiology (ISGP) Meeting concluded on Thursday, marking its first-ever occurrence in the Arab world. Hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the event spanned four days and focused on the biological and physiological effects of gravity on living organisms. This knowledge is vital for addressing challenges in long-duration space missions and understanding life beyond Earth.
The meeting commenced on May 27 with an opening ceremony attended by notable figures such as Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation and President of MBRU, Prof. Marc-Antoine Custaud, President of ISGP, and Hazzaa AlMansoori, Astronauts Office Manager at MBRSC. Held at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the event attracted over 125 participants, including scientists, representatives from global space agencies like NASA, ESA, and DLR, as well as young researchers and students.
Salem Humaid AlMarri expressed pride in hosting the ISGP Annual Meeting for the first time in the Arab world. He highlighted the significance of international collaboration in gravitational physiology and reiterated the UAE's commitment to leading global space research dialogues. AlMarri emphasised that the event underscored the UAE's strategic vision and pursuit of excellence in space exploration.
Adnan AlRais, Assistant Director General - Space Operations and Exploration Sector at MBRSC, noted that the meeting served as a crucial platform for enhancing international cooperation in gravitational physiology. He praised the insightful presentations and discussions that opened new avenues for research and investigation.
The four-day event featured plenary sessions on critical topics such as 'The Lunar Challenge: Lunar dust and the human being in Moon mission' and ‘LBNP as countermeasure.’ Various papers were presented on subjects including SIRIUS isolation studies, immunology, cardiovascular system, hypergravity, health, and cellular function. Additionally, a networking event was organised to support young scientists in building connections within the field.
Astronaut Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi delivered a session highlighting the importance of conducting biology and medical experiments aboard the ISS. He also discussed key milestones since joining the UAE Astronaut Programme. Fatma Lootah, Manager of Space Life Sciences Section at MBRSC, provided an overview of MBRSC’s programmes and missions.
The Young Investigators Award was a notable highlight of the event. It offered students and young researchers a platform to present their studies in gravitational physiology. Out of 38 research abstracts submitted, 12 were selected for plenary session presentations. The top three awards were given to:
| Place | Name | Institution | Abstract Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Victoria Ly | University of California, San Diego | Self-Generated Lower Body Negative Pressure Exercise: A Low Power Countermeasure for Deep-Space Missions |
| 2nd | Shannon Marchal | Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg | Research into "Lunar Hay Fever" on Earth – Finding Answers in an in Vitro Airway Model? |
| 3rd | Zhiyao Ma | University of Alberta, Edmonton | Exploring the Impact of Simulated Microgravity on Osteoarthritis Development: The Role of CD36 and Sex-Specific Responses in a Mouse Model |
The ISGP Annual Meeting has concluded successfully with significant contributions to gravitational physiology research. The event has set a precedent for future collaborations and advancements in space exploration.
With inputs from WAM
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