Biotechnet Meet-Up 2026: Space Biology

Since humans have been travelling to space, we have not only learned more about our solar system and the universe – these journeys have also provided a unique environment to conduct experiments that further our knowledge of biology and develop technologies useful for life on earth.

For its 4th annual Meet-Up, Biotechnet will explore the topic of Space Biology, showcasing Swiss involvment in pioneering science. The event will bring together invited experts, Biotechnet members and other researchers from academia, and industry representatives to illuminate recent results from space biology research and discuss their relevance to needs on earth. This includes understanding how low-gravity environments affect organisms and tissues; the effect of space travel on our bodies; point-of-care diagnostics and clinical decisionmaking systems for environments where doctors may not be present; and technologies for producing food and purifying water.

We are pleased to co-organize the 2026 meet-up with the Hochschule Luzern.

Program

13.30 Welcome. Laura Suter-Dick and Oya Tagit, Biotechnet.

Scientific presentations

• 13.45 Space Biology: Exploring the Uncommon for the Common Good. Marcel Egli, HSLU.
• 14.15 3D bioprinting in space. Matteo Moretti, USI.
• 14.45 Science Taxi and Microgravity Ageing Experiments. Stefan Lübcke, Yuri.

15.15 Coffee, networking, and Biotechnet platform posters.

Panel

16.00 Experience performing biology experiments in space, accessing test platforms and funding.

• Célia Metry, Prometheus Technologies.
• Florian Kehl, ETH Space.
• Fabrice Rottmeier, Almatech.

Project flash session

• 16.45 Mars Rover Challenge - Astrobiology Task. FHNW Competition Team.
• 16.55 ESA Project: 3D-printed biofilms to remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater with high ammonia content. Cristina Zimmardi, PhD student, FHNW.
• 17.05 Lessons learned from producing food in space. Amin Jadavji, Co-Founder and CEO, Elevate Farms.

17.15 Apéro and networking.

Sponsored by: