Consortium
Maastricht University (UM), established in 1976, is a renowned public research university in the Netherlands. It is known for its problem-based learning approach and interdisciplinary research. UM offers a wide range of programs across faculties such as Arts and Social Sciences, Health, Law, Psychology, Science, and Business. The signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, establishing the European Union, took place at the university. UM has an international focus, with a diverse student body and English as the language of instruction. It excels in fields like health sciences, neuroscience, law, economics, and sustainability. UM has over 19,000 students and 4,300 staff members.
Team members
- Lorenzo Moroni
- Carlos Domingues Mota
- Ezgi Çevik
- Alix Lemaitre
- Sef Janssen
- Romina Gentier
Expertise
- Bio and tissue engineering
- Bioprinting
- Fabrication of 3D cell culture devices
Role in the project
Magneto-acoustic bioprinter modelling, development, and validation by fabricating and characterising the cardiac 3D model. Providing other partners with the models for their testing in simulated space conditions.
Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg is a renowned public research university located in Magdeburg, Germany. Established in 1993, it is one of the country’s youngest universities. The university offers a wide range of programs across faculties such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, and Medicine. OVGU is known for its research excellence in areas like engineering, information technology, and life sciences. It has a strong international focus and attracts students from around the world. OVGU has around 14,000 students and employs approximately 2,600 staff members.
Team members
- Daniela Grimm
- Markus Wehland
- Herbert Schulz
- Veronika Kauert
- Fernando Torres
Expertise
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular and clinical pharmacology
- 3D cell culture models
- Tissue Engineering
- OMICS studies and Bioinformatics
- Simulated and real microgravity
- Cancer research in microgravity
- Wound healing and Medicine in space
Role in the project
Testing of in vitro 3D cardiac model in simulated space environments and study of cosmic radiation effects.
SCK CEN is one of the largest research institutions in Belgium. Every day, more than 900 employees dedicate themselves to developing peaceful applications of radioactivity. SCK CEN’s research activities focus on three main areas: innovative nuclear systems, nuclear waste management and dismantling, and the crucial fight against cancer. SCK CEN is world-renowned and shares its knowledge through countless publications and training courses so that this pool of exceptional competence can be maintained.
Team members
- Sarah Baatout
- Kevin Tabury
- Bjorn Baselet
- Emil Rehnberg
Expertise
- Earth and space radiation biology
- In vitro and in vivo research models, including the heart model
Role in the project
Assessment of biological effects induced by simulated space and radiotherapy conditions on cardiotoxicity of 3D bioprinted and organoid in vitro models.
Space Applications Services (SAS) is a Belgian company founded in 1987. It specializes in space engineering, operations, and applications. With over 30 years of experience, SAS offers services in human spaceflight support, robotics, spacecraft operations, and astronaut training. It has collaborated with prestigious organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. SAS has a team of over 200 professionals, and it is known for its expertise in spacecraft systems, simulation and training, ground segment services, and space software development. SAS has contributed to various space projects, and it continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of space exploration.
Team members
- Hilde Stenuit
- Richard Aked
- Mauro Ricci
- Miguel Ferreira
Expertise
- Engineering
- Space development, qualification, and access
- Training and operations for the ISS
Role in the project
Providing support in designing and engineering the bioprinter to meet ISS requirements. Bioprinter space launch, operation, and evaluation of cardiotoxicity on bioprinted and organoid in vitro models.
Society, established in 2008, specializes in managing innovation for private and public organizations. As a not-for-profit research firm, it conducts studies and analyses the impact of innovation on society while developing strategies to maximize its benefits. They aim to empower research teams and individuals to convert disruptive technological concepts into innovative products or services. They collaborate with small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, and research centres to nurture ideas from inception to market exploitation.
Team members
- Laura Martinelli
- Paulina Piotrowicz
- Michela Candotti
- Francesco Pascolo
- Diogo Matias
Expertise
- Research, innovation, and market deployment
- Development of exploitation strategies and technologies roadmaps
- Communication & dissemination strategies
- Stakeholder engagement
Role in the project
Management of innovation, communication, and dissemination, and planification of exploitation actions.
The Medical University of Graz, located in Graz, Austria, has a rich history dating back to 1863. It began as the Faculty of Medicine within the Karl-Franzens University of Graz and became an independent medical university in 2004. The university focuses on education, research, and patient care in the medical and health sciences. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing. With a faculty of over 3,000 staff members, including renowned professors and researchers, the university is known for its excellence in medical education and cutting-edge research.
Team members
- Nandu Goswami
- Bianca Brix
- Karin Schmid-Zalaudek
- Bianca Steuber
Expertise
- Clinical approach in cardiovascular diseases
- Integrative physiology
- Cardiovascular regulation
Role in the project
Assist the other project partners evaluating the cardiotoxicity of simulated space conditions and testing the efficacy of radioprotective drugs.
RDI is a private pharmaceutical company operating in Denmark, the USA, and Norway. With a dedicated focus on cancer and radiation, RDI has developed a diverse portfolio of drug candidates in fields such as Medical Oncology, Medical Radiation Protection, Radiation Exposure Protection, Chemotherapy Adjuvants, and Sensitizing Agents. Their primary goal in medical oncology is to address the challenges of cancer treatment, prioritizing patient accessibility, improving quality of life, and reducing costs. In the realm of Medical Radiation Protection, RDI aims to minimize therapy side-effects, providing solutions for safer and more effective radiation treatments.
Team members
- Stig Løfberg
- Bo Barnekow
- Sergei Pigarev
- Svend Aage Engelholm
- Christina Kaij
Expertise
- Drug development
- Qualification and validation of analytical methods
- Oncology, radiation biology, radiology, immunology, and aging
- Biostatistics
Role in the project
Development of solid drug formulation for space application. Review of project results and APIs for mitigating radiation and microgravity-induced damage in the 3D heart model.