Human Performance Collaborative

Funding the Future of Bioastronautics

This virtual workshop will bring together academic and industry experts for a practical look at the funding landscape for research that supports humans in space. Speakers will share their perspectives through short presentations followed by a moderated panel discussion and audience Q&A.
An illustration of a rocket launching from Earth into space with the text: Mapping the Funding Landscape for Space Biology, including logos for The HPC Human Performance Collaborative and Starlab.

Workshop Details

Date: October 23, 2026

Time: 1-3 p.m. ET

Location: Zoom

Featuring Academic Researchers and Industry Experts

Exploring Funding Opportunities for Space Research

This is the first session of the 2026-2027 Exploring Bioastronautics Research in Space series, presented by The Ohio State University Human Performance Collaborative and Starlab. Join us Friday, October 23, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. virtually on Zoom for a practical look at the funding landscape for research that supports humans in space.

  • 1:00 PM – 1:10 PM: Welcome and Starlab / Human Performance Collaborative Overview
  • 1:10 PM – 1:30 PM: Stephanie Buehler, PhD, research development specialist, Ohio State
  • 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM: Brandon Kortokrax, MBA, principal, E2MC (Earth-to-Mars Capital) 
  • 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: Brad Henderson, MBA, chief commercial officer, Starlab Space
  • 2:10 PM – 3:00 PM: Panel Discussion – Moderated by: Abigail Harrison, Starlab research lead, College of Engineering, Ohio State

Great science needs a path to orbit, and that path starts with funding. This workshop will explore opportunities across academic, commercial and government channels, how to position a bioastronautics project for flight, and what reviewers and partners look for in a strong proposal. Whether you're shaping your first space-relevant idea or preparing to expand an existing program, the session will provide a clearer understanding of available funding pathways and how to pursue them.

Panel Discussion: Come Prepared!

A significant portion of the meeting will be dedicated to an interactive panel discussion. We encourage all participants to bring questions and topics of interest related to funding bioastronautics research in space. This is your opportunity to engage directly with experts, share ideas, and explore emerging challenges and opportunities in the field.

Speakers: