The space sector as an interdisciplinary hub for science, education and industry Conference

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By Marek Grzybowski

The space sector as an interdisciplinary hub for science, education, and industry.” The Jędrzej Śniadecki University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk, the Space Sciences Commission of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Gdańsk Branch, and the Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster organized the conference. The Polish Space Agency was the patron. The conference took place in Gdańsk on April 24, 2026.
The Rector of the University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk, Prof. Paweł Cięszczyk, PhD, DSc, Chairman of the Space Sciences Commission of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Prof. Edmund Wittbrodt, PhD, DSc, Eng, and the Vice-President of the Polish Space Agency, Col. Marcin Mazur, welcomed the conference participants.

The “YOUNG STARS” session was led by Dr. Magdalena Konopacka. “Through the unknown to the stars: how analog missions prepare us for space exploration” was presented by Jakub Hinca, University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk. Marcin Josiński, University of Silesia, discussed “Effective teams, effective measurements: psychological studies in space and analog environments.”

“The influence of neurofeedback on the level of short-term memory in stressful situations” was presented by Kacper Gotner, University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk. Agnieszka Szczotka, University of Silesia, presented research results on “Self-disclosure beyond Earth: the role of AI agents in monitoring astronaut well-being.” Dominik Duda, University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk, presented “The impact of neurofeedback on isolation stress from a psychological perspective.”

Agnieszka Szczotka, University of Silesia, was recognized for her interesting presentation of literature research results, based on which she will conduct empirical research on the role of AI agents in monitoring astronaut well-being.

The Plenary Session, which presented scientific research results, was chaired by Prof. Marcin Dornowski.
Alison September, University of Cape Town, presented the results of her research in a paper entitled “Connective tissue in sport: implication in spaceflight biology.” Krzysztof Kowalczuk, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, presented the study “Physiological changes in long-term microgravity in humans – a limiting factor for spaceflights.”

Dr. Magdalena Konopacka, University of Business and Administration, discussed “Space technologies in the Arctic from Fram to Fram 2.” Agnieszka Skorupa, University of Silesia, presented “A multimodal approach to measuring astronaut well-being: the AstroMentalHealth project.” Małgorzata Polkowska, War Studies University, submitted the paper “Space law as a driver for the development of the space sector in Poland” to the conference program.

“The Space Volcanic Algae experiment on the ISS as an example of interdisciplinary science-business cooperation” was discussed by Weronika Urbańska and Ewa Borowska, Wrocław University of Science and Technology. “The new Space Act as a foundation for the development of the space sector” was presented by Paulina Topolska, Topolski, Stanley & Associates. Research describing “MXene in LEO on the ISS” was presented by Shreyas Seivatsa, AGH University of Science and Technology, University of Krakow. Magdalena Kozak, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, discussed in detail “Challenges and scientific – organizational plans for the development of space medicine.”

The plenary session on “Industry and Applications” was chaired by Dr. Tomasz Szot.

Marek Grzybowski, President of the Baltic Sea and Space Cluster, presented research results and case studies on “Space Technologies During Sea Conflicts.” Andrzej Piontkowski characterized “Dual-use Technologies in the Space Sector.” Maciej Myśliwiec, SpaceAgency, explained “How We Should Communicate About Space… So That People Listen.” Robert Magiera and Krzysztof Osiak, SpaceForest, presented “Polish Access to Space. The PERUN Rocket System as an Interdisciplinary Platform for Microgravity Research.” Justyna Średzińska, Copernicus Science Centre, presented a comprehensive educational program implemented as part of the “ESERO-Poland: Space4Education” project.

The conference provided an opportunity to showcase the research results of young scientists, Polish and international research teams, and to demonstrate the use of space technologies, law, and economics for business development. The results of medical and biological research conducted in space conditions on behalf of Polish scientific institutions during the IGNIS space mission were presented.


Professor Marcin Dornowski from the University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk proposed an EEG neurofeedback study. This brain training technique helps individuals learn to regulate their mental states using real-time information about brain activity. Polish astronaut Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski was tasked with implementing this scientific program on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the IGNIS mission. By monitoring brain waves using electroencephalography (EEG), the astronaut receives feedback that allows him to strengthen patterns of brain activity that promote concentration, calmness, and productivity.
According to POLSA, “the experiment proceeded as planned, and procedures on the ISS were completed to over 100%.” ​​Before and after the flight, tests were conducted measuring spatial working memory capacity (CORSI) and long-term focused attention (SIGNAL). Psychological tests and EMG signal measurements from selected muscle groups were also conducted.
The results obtained during the experiment are currently being statistically analyzed by Prof. Marcin Dornowski from the University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk. The obtained research results are in the final stages of statistical analysis. Currently, we can confirm the effectiveness of neurofeedback intervention in reducing cell inflammation by 25%, reducing stress perception by 30%, and improving cognitive function and the body’s neurophysiological response.


The “Space Volcanic Algae” experiment was also discussed extensively during the conference in Gdańsk. This was a biotechnology experiment. Extremophilic algae – microorganisms from volcanic environments – were studied in space conditions on a space station. The goal was to determine how well the algae adapt and function in microgravity and cosmic radiation. A newly designed sensor that measures the amount of oxygen produced by the algae during photosynthesis was also tested, reported Weronika Urbańska and Ewa Borowska from Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Known for surviving in extreme conditions on Earth, algae are believed to offer a promising basis for future life-support systems for long-duration space missions. Understanding how they behave in space will help assess whether they could produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and generate useful substances, thus supporting crews on future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

During the conference, many aspects of research carried out in space, many activities related to the use of space and devices enabling the use of space were discussed, scientific and educational activities were presented – Professor Marcin Dornowski summed up the conference.