Skills and professions of the future: training space biology professionals

This project, the brainchild of Jean-Luc Morel, a CNRS researcher and chairman of the CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies) Life Sciences and Human Space Exploration working group, and Jean-François Quignard, a lecturer-researcher in pharmaceutical sciences, aims to explore an innovative field: biology in space and extreme environments.

They are the latest laureates - the fourth to be supported by the University of Bordeaux - of the "skills and professions of the future" (compétences et métiers d’avenir - CMA) call for proposals, part of the France 2030 national investment plan. The objective of CAP-BIOSPACE is twofold: to train professionals with expertise in space biology and health, who will pursue careers in the field of space exploration and extreme environments, and to adapt this knowledge to terrestrial needs.

"Space is the extreme environment by excellence, where humans have to adapt to unique conditions: radiation, microgravity, prolonged confinement, etc. These are also problems that we find on Earth, for example in submarines or following radioactive incidents", emphasises Jean-Luc Morel, CNRS researcher at Bordeaux Neurocampus and co-sponsor of the project.

Unique training and real opportunities

CAP-BIOSPACE provides a wide range of innovative initiatives aimed at high school and university students as well as professionals working in the sector or wishing to enter it. Educational workshops, training capsules, teaching kits and a specialised Master degree are planned to build a solid culture in space biology. In 5 years' time, the programme will have trained 500 students (300 Bachelor, 100 Master, 18 PhD students), raised awareness of space biology issues among 3,000 secondary school pupils and 60 teachers.

"These courses will enable students to enhance their resumés in the eyes of industry," explains Jean-Luc Morel, "and will provide access to real opportunities, such as visits to companies in the sector - such as Novespace, which charters parabolic flights - or laboratories specialising in space exploration or life support production."

A strategic dimension for the University of Bordeaux

The project benefits from the university's many assets: its expertise in biology, its proximity to the world's only Zero G aircraft located in Mérignac, and its strong partnerships with key stakeholders such as Way4Space. This collaboration between the University of Bordeaux, industry and institutions such as the CNES and other CMA space projects (Cometes, the Île-de-France Space Academy, etc.) anchors BIOSPACE in a national and international dynamic.

CAP-BIOSPACE aims to perpetuate its actions by developing complete curricula incorporating the courses developed as part of its initiatives within existing training programmes. The objective is to create synergies between French and European universities, and to consolidate France's role in space biology. A forward-looking vision, with the training of a new generation of professionals capable of meeting the challenges of space exploration and extreme environments.