Programme
The symposium's schedule will include research sessions from a mix of invited speakers and others selected from general abstract submission, as well as poster presentations as submitted by attendees. The symposium will start early morning on November 2, 2026, and end late afternoon on November 4, 2026. Note that all scheduled items on November 2nd and 3rd will occur in the Drs. Sylvia & Richard Cruess Amphitheatre & Elspeth McConnell Atrium, 1001 boul. Décarie, Montréal, QC, Block E. An additional event (to be confirmed) may take place on November 4th on a different location (with transportation provided by the organizers).
Day one: November 2, 2026
19:00 – 21:00
Visit to the Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory
Western University
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Taking place during the Cronyn Observatory visit will be a book launch for the first novel by Dr. John Moores, titled "Daydreaming in the Solar System: Surfing Saturn's Rings, Golfing on the Moon, and Other Adventures in Space Exploration.” Learn more at: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/schedule/
Registration and Light Breakfast (provided and included with registration)
Opening Remarks
SESSION 1
Remote Biosignal Monitoring for Human Performance in Extreme Environments
Chair: Dr. Emily Coffey
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Advances in portable sensors are enabling remote monitoring of physiological and neural signals related to cognitive state, sleep, and readiness for high performance. These technologies are increasingly being explored to support training, decision-making, and operational performance in space and other extreme environments. Chaired by Dr. Emily Coffey (Concordia University, Montreal), this session invites abstract submissions presenting empirical findings from studies using biosignal monitoring technologies to assess or enhance human performance, cognition, and health in operational or experimental settings.
POSTER SESSION 1
Lunch Break (provided and included with registration)
SESSION 2
Advances in Brain Health and Repair
Chair: Dr. Alexandra Kindrat
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Spaceflight exposes the brain to unique stressors that may affect cognition, mental health, and neurological function. Understanding these effects is essential for protecting astronaut health and performance during long-duration missions and can also provide insights into brain health on Earth. Chaired by Dr. Alexandra Kindrat (McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal), this session invites abstract submissions presenting empirical findings on mechanisms and strategies to protect or repair brain health under spaceflight-relevant conditions such as microgravity, radiation, circadian disruption, trauma, inflammation, and aging. Studies involving astronauts or spaceflight analogs, using experimental, digital, and/or AI-assisted approaches are welcome.
Coffee Break & Networking
POSTER SESSION 2
SPECIAL EVENT
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Italian Space Day - Giornata Italiana dello Spazio
in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa
The Italian Space Day is an annual event celebrating Italy’s significant contributions to space science, technology, and innovation. This year, the Embassy will host the event in conjunction with the 2026 Canadian Space Health Research Symposium, highlighting the strong collaboration between Italy and Canada in advancing space health and research. The program will showcase Italian excellence in the space sector, with leading scientists invited to present their latest achievements (speakers to be announced).
SOCIAL RECEPTION (offered by the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa)
Day two: November 3, 2026
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Light Breakfast (included with registration)
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SESSION 3
Space Radiation Biology and Protection
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Chair: Dr. Marcelo Vazquez
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During long-duration and deep space missions, astronauts are exposed to ionizing radiation from sources such as galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events. These radiation environments differ substantially from those on Earth and may pose significant risks to human health. Chaired by Dr. Marcelo Vazquez (Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River), this session invites abstract submissions presenting empirical findings on the biological effects of space radiation across molecular, cellular, and system levels. Studies using in vitro and in vivo models that advance our understanding of radiation responses and inform strategies for radioprotection in space and on Earth are particularly encouraged.
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POSTER SESSION 3
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Lunch Break (provided and included with registration)
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Special Event for Trainees and Early Career Investigators (lunch provided)
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More Details Will Be Provided Soon
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SESSION 4
To Be Announced
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Coffee Break & Networking
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POSTER SESSION 4
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Awards, Announcements and Closing Remarks