Establishing a Space Medicine and Life Sciences Outreach & Education Program using a Virtual Global Webinar Series
- Paper number
IAC-20,E1,5,13,x58391
- Author
Mr. Jules Lancee, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Rochelle Velho, United Kingdom, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)
- Coauthor
Dr. Anthony S. Yuen, United States, New York-Presbyterian Hospital / Weill Cornell Medical Center
- Year
2020
- Abstract
{\it Purpose} \par The development of space medicine is an important element of humankind's advancement into deep space. Expertise within the field is highly specialised, though dispersed globally, as space medicine is still a niche topic for many space agencies, industry, and academia. In recognition of the need to connect professionals in this field, the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) initiated a new project group on Space Medicine and Life Sciences (SMLS). One of the programs started by this group was a virtual 'Health in Space' webinar series. The overall objective of this program is to disseminate knowledge of specific space medicine topics and connect students and professionals in the process. This paper evaluates the approach, impact, and challenges of this program. \newline {\it Methodology} \par The design of the program is described in detail including key principles and considerations such as content, technical infrastructure, promotion, accessibility, and global reach. The impact of the program is evaluated by the number of registrations, attendees, and recording views. On a qualitative level, experiences of attendees are sampled and shown. Finally, organisational and technical challenges are described. \newline {\it Results} \par As of March 2020, three episodes have been organised, and five are planned for the remainder of the year. Five speakers have participated in panel presentations on three topics: medical emergencies in deep space, designing for health and well-being of astronauts, and space suits. The first three episodes attracted over 263 registrations, 115 live attendees and a total of 403 views on our online recordings. \newline {\it Conclusion} \par This paper presents the lessons learned of the new ‘Health in Space’ webinar series. Organising a global online webinar series appears to be a feasible way to disseminate highly specialized knowledge on a diverse range of topics in a way that connects students, young professionals and researchers around the globe. The impact of this effort will be reviewed and recommendations shared to highlight the value and significance of these education and outreach efforts.- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)