In a collaboration that feels both visionary and urgent in today's ever-advancing world of discovery and technology, UCSF and NASA’s joint UC Space Health Program—led by Dr. Aenor Sawyer, MD—has become a hub for groundbreaking research at the crossroads of spaceflight and human health, not only in the cosmos but here on Earth as well. On May 29, 2025, the program hosted its annual Out of This World Science Symposium, a sensational gathering of what is and what could be — bridging scientists, astronauts, and clinicians to explore questions that once belonged to science fiction but now shape the future of medicine on Earth and beyond.

Being the first person to sequence DNA in space marks a significant milestone. NASA astronaut-scientist Kate Rubins, Ph.D., shared the "why" behind this story: why she cared so passionately about it, why it matters to health and technology, and why you should be interested in it. The short answer? It reflects an essential trend in innovation today — one that is more commercial, collaborative, and science-driven. And yet, somehow, the “short answer” feels like the start of a much longer, and far more fascinating, story.

Joining Dr. Sawyer and Dr. Rubins was a panel of equally distinguished experts and leaders in their respective fields: Dr. Charles Chiu, M.D., Ph.D.; Dr. Sonja Schrepfer, M.D., Ph.D.; and Dr. Tammy Chang, M.D., Ph.D, all of whom remarked on the implications of space research on metagenomics, immunology, pharmaceutical discovery, stem cells, liver transplants, and more. 

The event not only showcased the expertise of the speakers but also shared their inspiring stories of passion and perseverance, a discussion which continued among participants who highlighted the value of interdisciplinary studies across UCSF and UC Berkeley College of Computing, Data Science, and Society.

As the event came to a close, one that both inspired and perhaps sparked a newfound curiosity in space and medicine, Dr. Sawyer reminded us that we were an audience of "learners," interdisciplinary by nature and united by a shared curiosity to push the boundaries of science, health, and possibility.

Explore event highlights below:​