Not long ago, biomanufacturing in space sounded like science fiction. Now, it’s a field on the cusp of reshaping how new medicines are developed and long-duration space flights are supported. Advances in technology and space-based research are uniting scientists, industry leaders and government partners in the emerging field, as nearly 100 of these leaders convened for the University of Florida’s second annual Biomanufacturing in Space Symposium on Nov. 6 in Orlando.
The symposium explored how microgravity can be leveraged to advance human health, presenting biomanufacturing in space not as a distant scientific idea, but as a research field with real implications for medicines on Earth. Four keynote sessions led by academic researchers examined a range of advances underway. Speakers covered a variety of topics, including microbial biomanufacturing in space, nanoparticle manufacturing in microgravity, the expanding role of artificial intelligence in accelerating biomanufacturing research and the ongoing effort to translate gravitational biology of human cells into practical applications.
Additionally, two panel sessions explored the growth of public, private and academic collaborations happening around the world and how partnerships, technology and new financing models are shaping the future of space commercialization.
“The Biomanufacturing in Space Symposium offers a focused discussion that isn’t often found at larger space conferences,” said Siobhan Malany, Ph.D., an associate professor of cellular and systems pharmacology in the UF College of Pharmacy and lead organizer of the event. “There is real enthusiasm for the future of biomanufacturing in space, and bringing researchers, industry partners and government leaders together in an innovative space creates meaningful opportunities to move laboratory research into orbit.”
Malany said UF has emerged as an academic leader in space research, and the Biomanufacturing in Space Symposium further elevates the university’s national profile in the field. It also brings visibility to the newly formed Center for Science, Technology and Advanced Research in Space, or C-STARS, and the UF Astraeus Space Institute.
“Hosting this event signifies that UF is committed to space research and supporting space biomanufacturing, as well as strengthening ties with industry and government agencies,” Malany said. “More importantly, it’s understanding how to translate the research into real applications and showcasing the expertise we offer at UF.”
A new feature of this year’s Biomanufacturing in Space Symposium was the trainee poster session and vendor displays. Graduate students and trainees from UF and other Florida institutions presented their research, and vendors displayed their technology to potential end users. Attending the symposium offered the trainees an opportunity to engage with industry leaders, connect with sponsors and gain firsthand insight into the field of space biomanufacturing.
November 6, 2025
Biomanufacturing in Space Symposium
Hosted by the UF College of Pharmacy
