ESA–ELGRA Gravity-Related Research Summer School 2025: 10th Anniversary Edition Completed!

The tenth edition of the ESA–ELGRA Gravity-Related Research Summer School has come to a close, and what a milestone to celebrate! For two inspiring weeks, 30 talented Bachelor’s and Master’s students from 13 different nationalities gathered at the ESA Education Training and Learning Facility in ESEC-Galaxia in Belgium diving deep into the world of gravity-related research.

This special anniversary edition marks a decade of collaboration between the ESA Academy Training Programme and ELGRA, empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers in the field of gravity-related science.

Throughout the two-week programme, students were immersed in a wide array of gravity-related research themes. From understanding how the human body adapts to space and exploring advanced robotics and fluid dynamics, to delving into plant biology, thermal management, and neuroscience in microgravity, the lectures offered a rich and multidisciplinary perspective. The course also included insights into the ESA Academy Experiments Programme and hands-on guidance on designing experiments for space, providing students with both theoretical foundations and practical experience.

The team project got underway during the first week, with students working in groups to design their own gravity-related experiments. A visit to the EuroSpace Center added an exciting hands-on element, offering inspiration and insight into gravity-related science.

In the second week, students continued collaborating online, guided by ELGRA tutors. They also took part in workshops on systems engineering requirements to support the development of their projects. A special highlight was an exclusive session offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of an ESA astronaut - Dr. Meganne Christian, a member of the 2022 European Space Agency Astronaut Group, and Reserve Astronaut and Exploration Commercialisation Lead at the UK Space Agency.

The final day featured student-designed experiments covering a wide range of topics, from using electromagnetic induction to manipulate and aggregate non-magnetic conductive particles, to exploring fungi as a radiation shield, investigating space neuroscience, and modelling the microbiome in microgravity. The dedication and creativity on display were outstanding.

As we close this 10th edition, we do so with immense pride and excitement. Who knows? Some of these ideas may one day fly!

Thank you to all students, lecturers, and partners who made this edition unforgettable. Stay tuned to see where the future of gravity-related research takes us!