Dr Chris Gaffney, Lecturer in Integrative Physiology at Lancaster University, was part of the first UK-led experiment onboard the international space station; The Molecular Muscle Experiment (MME). The MME project aims to understand the impact space travel has on astronauts’ muscles and has involved sending worms on a SpaceX rocket from Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre to the International Space Station.

In the webinar, Chris will talk about the MME project and how this kind or research is critical if humans are to travel to and create settlements on the Moon and then on Mars.

Dr Nicol Caplin is a Deep Space Exploration Scientist at the European Space Agency’s Department for Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration.

In the webinar Nichol will talk about her early work on the biological effects of low-dose radiation on plants and how this then extended beyond Earth to look at seeds that had been exposed to elevated radiation doses and microgravity conditions on board the International Space Station (ISS).  Nichole will also talk about how she is now been deeply involved in the scientific coordination of experiments destined for the ISS and beyond low Earth orbit on the planned lunar Gateway facility.

Chris and Nicol will then talk about the advice they can give to young people with an interest in biological and sports science who are interested in careers in the space and related sectors. 

Dr Chris Gaffney

Dr Nicol Caplin