KOSMOS+
Order out of Chaos
Order out of Chaos
NeurAstra Educational Programme (NAEP-I)
Feynman Promotion
2024/2025Feynman Promotion: A Tribute to Curiosity and Creativity
The NeurAstra Educational Programme for 2024/2025 marks the launch of its first edition, aptly named the Feynman Promotion, in honour of the renowned physicist Richard P. Feynman. Known for his boundless curiosity, deep engagement with the natural world, and ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and creativity, Feynman’s legacy serves as a guiding inspiration for this programme. His philosophy of learning through exploration, experimentation, and asking “why?” resonates with NeurAstra’s mission to foster a multidisciplinary and innovative approach to understanding science, nature, and space.
This inaugural edition features eleven unique research projects designed and conducted by research fellows with the guidance of NeurAstra mentors, advisors, and consultants. Each project reflects a convergence of scientific inquiry, creativity, and a deep connection to the broader themes of exploration and adaptability. The focus areas span from cutting-edge technologies in telemedicine and space debris management to the study of rapid evolution in urban wildlife and the genomic adaptations of tardigrades.
Fostering Individual Exploration with Expert Support
At the heart of the Feynman Promotion is a belief in empowering individuals to shape their own research journeys. Each fellow was encouraged to design their project from inception to execution, selecting their research question, methodology, and anticipated outcomes. This autonomy allowed the participants to delve deeply into their topics while exploring the broader implications of their findings for science, humanity, and the environment.The projects were supported by NeurAstra’s interdisciplinary mentorship framework, which brings together experts from diverse fields, including neuroscience, cartography, space exploration, and environmental science. Advisors provided guidance on research design, problem-solving strategies, and the integration of creative and scientific elements, ensuring that each project was both rigorous and impactful.
11 Projects: Bridging Science, Nature, and Space
The projects are as varied and expansive as the fields they touch upon, showcasing the programme’s commitment to multidisciplinary research. From developing digital twin models for Martian settlements to designing mobile laboratories for extreme environments, and investigating psychological resilience in analogue habitats, the research reflects NeurAstra’s core ethos of curiosity-driven exploration. Each project is conducted individually, but they collectively embody the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, inspired by Feynman’s belief in the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines. Fellows are encouraged not only to contribute to their chosen field but also to explore how their findings might inspire or inform work in other domains.Through these projects, the programme aims to cultivate a new generation of thinkers and explorers who embody the curiosity, ingenuity, and resilience needed to tackle the challenges of the future—both on Earth and beyond.
TEAM S01 (BD/WT)
Researchers: L. Ellena, R. Herimandimby, Y. Lu & Q. Yang
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Telemedicine for Remote Environments
—Research Fellow: Leo Ellena
This project focuses on developing cutting-edge telemedicine systems for remote and extreme environments, such as deep-sea habitats, polar research stations, or Mars analogue missions. It includes wearable health monitors, AI-driven diagnostic tools, and virtual consultation systems designed to operate under limited bandwidth and delayed communication scenarios.
Research question:
How can autonomous medical systems ensure comprehensive healthcare delivery in extreme and resource-limited environments?
Project outcomes: a review and a feasibility study.
Keywords: telemedicine, AI diagnostics, wearable health monitors, extreme environments, virtual consultations
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Space Debris: Challenges, Technologies, and the Future of Orbital Cleanliness
—Research Fellow: Robin Herimandimby
This study investigates advanced methods for mitigating space debris, such as using autonomous robots, laser ablation, and biodegradable satellite components. It also examines the policy frameworks necessary for international collaboration on space debris management.
Research question:
What are the most effective technologies and international policies for managing and reducing space debris in Earth’s orbit?
Project outcomes: a literature review and an article.
Keywords: space debris, orbital sustainability, laser ablation, biodegradable satellites, international policy
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Psychological Limits in Analogue Environments
—Research Fellow: Yao Lu
This project examines the psychological and emotional toll on individuals living in isolated and confined environments, such as Mars habitat simulations. It evaluates the effectiveness of mental health monitoring tools, group dynamics strategies, and resilience-building techniques.
Research question:
What psychological interventions and monitoring tools are most effective for maintaining mental health in analogue habitats?
Project outcomes: a systematic review and a theoretical intervention framework.
Keywords: mental health, isolation, resilience, analogue missions, psychological interventions
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Patterns in Cosmic Ray Exposure on Space and Earth’s Surface
—Research Fellow: Qing Yang
This project maps global cosmic ray exposure and explores how it influences biological systems, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The research aims to identify regions of high radiation risk and develop strategies for protection.
Research question:
How do cosmic ray exposure patterns vary geographically, and what biological impacts do these variations have on human health and ecosystems?
Project outcomes: a literature review and a modelling study.
Keywords: cosmic rays, radiation mapping, biological impacts, ecosystems, infrastructure protection
TEAM S02 (Altanube Pando)
Researchers: J. Mallet, V. Melau, & V. Reynod
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Digital Twin Models of Mars Settlements
—Research Fellow: Justine Mallet
This research develops virtual simulations of Martian habitats to test designs, resource management, and life-support systems. It integrates data from Mars analogues, robotics, and AI to optimise settlement layouts for long-term sustainability.
Research question:
How can digital twin technology optimise the design and functionality of Martian habitats for long-term human survival?
Project outcomes: a case study and a project of simulation/virtual environment design.
Keywords: Mars habitats, digital twins, sustainability, virtual simulations, resource optimisation
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Planetary Cartography: Merging Art and Science
—Research Fellow: Victor Melau
By combining scientific accuracy with artistic techniques, this project aims to create detailed and visually engaging maps of Mars and the Moon. It focuses on integrating topographic, mineralogical, and aesthetic elements to enhance usability for exploration missions.
Research question:
How can artistic approaches enhance the scientific utility and interpretability of planetary maps?
Project outcomes: a creative cartographic portfolio and an exhibition.
Keywords: planetary mapping, artistic cartography, Moon and Mars, topography, mineralogy
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Indigenous Cartography and Climate Wisdom
—Research Fellow: Vanessa Reynod
This study explores how indigenous mapping practices and ecological knowledge can inform modern climate adaptation strategies. It emphasises the integration of traditional wisdom with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Research question:
How can indigenous cartographic knowledge be integrated with modern GIS to enhance climate adaptation efforts?
Project outcomes: a critical review and a GIS implementation case study.
Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, climate adaptation, GIS integration, traditional mapping, sustainability
TEAM S03 (Specteore)
Researchers: K. Josse & E. Vadakedath
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Designing Mobile Laboratories for Extreme Environments
—Research Fellow: Karina Josse
This project explores the development of compact, multifunctional laboratories tailored for field research in extreme environments such as polar regions, arid deserts, and mountainous terrains. Emphasising portability, energy efficiency, and modularity, the project aims to imagine adaptable solutions for multidisciplinary scientific studies in remote and harsh conditions.
Research question:
What design features are critical for creating mobile laboratories capable of supporting multidisciplinary research in extreme environments?
Project outcomes: a case study and a prototype design with a field test in our ATNS Centre.
Keywords: mobile labs, field research, modular design, energy efficiency, extreme environments
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Rescue Protocols for Isolated Explorers
—Research Fellow: Emy Vadakedath
Focusing on improving emergency response strategies, this project develops wearable tracking systems, autonomous rescue drones, and communication protocols tailored to extreme and remote conditions.
Research question:
What technologies and strategies can improve survival rates in rescue operations for isolated explorers?
Project outcomes: a literature review and a case study.
Keywords: rescue technology, autonomous drones, wearable trackers, emergency response, explorers
TEAM S04 (Poutchka Patrol)
Researchers: F. Saaoud & A. Storsve
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Rapid Evolution in Urban Wildlife
—Research Fellow: Farid Saaoud
This research explores the genetic and behavioural adaptations of animals living in urban environments. It investigates how species respond to challenges such as noise pollution, light interference, and habitat fragmentation.
Research question:
How do urban environments drive rapid evolutionary changes in wildlife, and what are the ecological implications?
Project outcomes: a literature review.
Keywords: urban ecology, genetic adaptation, behavioural evolution, noise pollution, light interference
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Genomic Adaptations of Tardigrades to Radiation
—Research Fellow: Anna Storsve
Investigating the molecular mechanisms behind tardigrades’ resistance to extreme radiation, this study focuses on protective proteins, DNA repair systems, and potential applications for human space exploration.
Research question:
What genomic adaptations enable tardigrades to resist radiation, and how can these mechanisms be applied to human space exploration?
Project outcomes: a literature review and an experimental study protocol.
Keywords: tardigrades, radiation resistance, DNA repair, space biology, genomic adaptation
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NAEP-II
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our second edition in 2025: the Flammarion Promotion. Applications are now closed, but stay tuned for updates on the new cohort and upcoming opportunities to engage with NeurAstra’s research and educational initiatives.
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This is a KOSMOS+ initiative related to the following NeurAstra SYSTEMS:
(S01) Blue Dot/White Tangerine
(S02) Altanube Pando
(S03) Specteore
(S04) Poutchka Patrol