Jack Van Loon

Dr. Jack van Loon is a leading expert in gravitational biology and space physiology, affiliated with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). With over 25 years of experience in space-related research, Dr. van Loon has made significant contributions to our understanding of how altered gravity affects biological systems—from cells to whole organisms.

His work spans microgravity and hypergravity environments, with a strong focus on mechanotransduction, bone biology, and aging. He has been instrumental in developing and applying ground-based simulation tools like the Random Positioning Machine (RPM) and the Large Diameter Centrifuge (LDC) to study gravity’s impact on life.

Dr. van Loon has published extensively and collaborates internationally across disciplines, including spaceflight engineering, molecular biology, and biophysics. His research helps bridge the gap between space exploration and biomedical science, offering insights into astronaut health and terrestrial medicine.