This year something new!
Life And Space DAYS 2025
1'st edition
We are excited to invite you to the first edition of
Life and Space DAYS
an international online science event exploring the frontiers of astrobiology, space science, and the origin of life.
Organized by the Polish Astrobiological Society, LAS DAYS 25 will once again bring together researchers, students, and enthusiasts to share ideas, spark collaboration, and imagine the future of life in the Universe.
Step into the Future!
All lectures will be streamed via YouTube channel of AstroBio.
Mark your calendars and get ready for the journey beyond Earth.
Speakers
Sara Seager
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
From Lab to Cosmos: Three Frontiers in the Search for Signs of Life Beyond Earth
The search for life beyond Earth is often framed around water as the essential solvent, yet many exoplanets are too warm for surface liquid water. Our recent experiments show that some key biomolecules can remain stable in concentrated sulfuric acid, the dominant liquid in Venus’ temperate clouds. Under the same conditions, lipids can even self-assemble into vesicles. This surprising chemistry reopens the question of whether Venus might be habitable. While building instrumentation and conducting laboratory studies for Venus’ clouds, we inadvertently “rediscovered” ionic liquids—exotic, polar, non-volatile solvents—and showed for the first time that some ionic liquids can form naturally from planetary materials. Together, these findings expand the concept of habitability beyond Earth-like environments, pointing to new mission pathways for detecting signs of life beyond Earth. By considering alternative solvents, we can begin to chart new frontiers that integrate quantum chemistry, biomolecular chemistry, planetary physics, and space exploration—potentially transforming our understanding of life’s origins and its possibilities across the cosmos.
6.12 19:00 [CET]
Przemysław Jarosiński
AstroBio/AstroLife
Strange New Worlds: The Evolving Science of Exoplanets
I will discuss the evolution of exoplanet research, key detection methods such as transit photometry, radial velocity, microlensing, and direct imaging, and the diversity of over 6,000 confirmed worlds. Selected examples of unusual planets will be presented, along with a brief exploration of the potential for life on different types of exoplanets.
7.12 18:00 [CET]
Maksymilian Brzezicki
Oxford University
Space medicine faculty: lessons from the first pilot programme for teaching space medicine in medical studies
The increasing pace of space exploration and long-term manned missions make it crucial for the safety of astronauts to train doctors who are familiar with the challenges of space medicine. In my presentation, I will discuss the structure and implementation of Poland’s first pilot space medicine elective in the medical programme, organised in the 2025/2026 academic year. I will present the most important programme content, teaching methods, conclusions regarding student engagement, and sample tasks and case studies adapted to the context of space missions. I will also summarise the challenges and successes and indicate directions for the further development of space medicine education in Poland and Europe. I invite you to reflect on the role of innovative medical education programmes in the era of extraterrestrial exploration.
7.12 20:00 [CET]
Peggy Whitson
Axiom Space
Biomedical Research on the ISS: Insights from Axiom Missions onboard
Axiom Space, a leader in space infrastructure and spacesuit development, has successfully conducted four commercial astronaut missions onboard the International Space Station. Dr. Peggy Whitson, one of the most decorated astronauts in history and the commander for two of these missions, will present groundbreaking biological and biomedical research performed during these spaceflights. Her talk will focus on advances in cancer research and therapeutic development enabled by microgravity. Additionally, she will discuss Axiom Space’s efforts to create sustainable economic markets in space exploration and scientific research.
4.12 18:00 [CET]
Christiane Hahn
King's College London
ESA Exploration Science
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate focuses on sustainable human and robotic exploration of low-Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars, highlighted by the Explore 2040 strategy. Central to this effort is biological and life sciences research, which supports astronaut health and enables fundamental scientific discoveries in space.
ESA’s Exploration Science programme has two pillars: exploration-focused science – addressing mission needs, and exploration-enabled science – utilizing existing platforms for broad scientific research. Biology bridges these by studying areas such as astrobiology, microbiology, cell and plant biology, critical for understanding life’s resilience in space and developing life support systems. Emerging technologies like 3D bioprinting and synthetic biology enhance capabilities for long-duration missions. Currently, ESA supports a broad astrobiology research portfolio and fosters international collaborations to push the field forward. This presentation highlights ESA’s biology and life sciences priorities, recent achievements, strategic directions, and collaboration opportunities. Through interdisciplinary partnerships and innovation, ESA aims to deepen understanding of life in extreme environments and underpin the success of future human space exploration.