This interdisciplinary course will introduce participants to the fascinating intersection of space biology and astrobiology. You will explore how the unique conditions of space, such as microgravity, radiation, and isolation influence human physiology and cellular processes, offering insight into accelerated aging and stress adaptation.
The course will also examine questions central to the origins and evolution of life, the ongoing search for life beyond Earth, and future missions to icy worlds such as Europa and Titan.
Through expert lectures and group discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of biological resilience in extreme environments and humanity’s quest to uncover life beyond Earth.
Lectures will be given by:
Dr inż. Agata Rudolf
Assistant Professor at AGH University’s Faculty of Space Technologies and Head of the Space Biology Laboratory.
Dr Rudolf earned her Ph.D. in biological sciences from Jagiellonian University, with extensive international research experience, including postdoctoral work at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Auburn University (USA).
Her research focuses on bioenergetics, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, aging, and cellular responses to space conditions such as radiation and microgravity.
She has participated in analog space missions and NASA-related programs and leads research on biological adaptation to extreme environments at AGH.
Dr Tomasz Zajkowski
Assistant Professor at AGH Faculty of Space Technologies and Head of the Astrobiology Laboratory.
Dr Zajkowski is a molecular biologist specializing in the origins of life and synthetic biology applications for space exploration.
His research includes protein aggregation and prion-like domains in Archaea, work initiated during his postdoctoral appointments at NASA Ames Research Center and Stanford University.
He is also a Research Scientist at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and President of the Polish Astrobiology Society.
Dr Zajkowski actively promotes astrobiology through conferences, outreach, and experience in biotechnology startups focused on sustainable solutions.
Details
When: 18.03.2026
Time: 10:00-15:00, with breaks
Who can apply:
PhD students from all disciplines with an interest in space biology, astrobiology, life sciences, biotechnology, physics, and related fields.
Application: Apply via the form.
