Neuroscience Research in Short-Duration Human Spaceflight

Dr. Bader Shirah, a distinguished physician and researcher from Saudi Arabia, earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Jeddah. With a commitment to advancing medical knowledge and skills, he pursued further training and acquired medical practice licenses in both Saudi Arabia (Saudi Commission for Health Specialties) and Canada (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada).

Dr. Shirah's pioneering efforts in the field of space medicine have significantly contributed to shaping the landscape of scientific exploration in Saudi Arabia. Initially engaged in the strategic planning of the Saudi Space Commission since its establishment on December 27, 2018, he went on to represent the Kingdom in various international scientific activities. Marking several pivotal milestones, Dr. Shirah established the foundation for the futuristic field of space medicine in Saudi Arabia. He published the first set of papers from the country, authored the inaugural book on space medicine in Arabic, and conducted courses and workshops to educate Saudi students and scientists on the emerging field.

A trailblazer in his own right, Dr. Shirah founded Nebula Research & Development Company, the first Saudi company dedicated to space medicine research and development. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to innovation and leadership, he was honored by Forbes Middle East by being named to their prestigious 30 Under 30 list. This accolade celebrates young visionaries who are pioneering the use of advanced technologies to develop revolutionary inventions and medical breakthroughs. The Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 list not only highlights these technological advancements but also acknowledges the remarkable achievements of inspirational young leaders, dreamers, and creatives. These individuals are at the forefront of driving significant change in the MENA region, continuously expanding their influence into new and unexplored areas, shaping the future with their visionary ideas and relentless dedication. Dr. Shirah's recent endeavors reached new heights with the execution of six in-space neuroscience research experiments on the Saudi Space Agency Human Space Flight 1 (SSA-HSF1) mission, aiming to deepen the understanding of the effects of microgravity and radiation on the human brain and body.

Dr. Shirah's prolific research output includes over 170 outstanding papers in top international peer-reviewed journals, widely cited for their impact. His contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prize for Honoring the Inventors and the Talented, a Memorial Plaque from Saudi Arabia's Minister of National Guard, and the First Best Researcher in Dr. Sami Alsogair's Award for Scientific Research. Notably, he made history as the first Saudi scientist selected as an Emerging Space Leader by the International Astronautical Federation, further solidifying his role as a pioneering force in the field of space medicine research. Furthermore, he was awarded two international scholarships by reputable international organizations; the Space Medicine Association and the American Academy of Neurology.

Figure: Dr. Bader Shirah in a panel during at the International Astronautical Congress 2023.



Figure: Dr. Bader Shirah wearing the Axiom Mission 2 garments during a space medicine course in Saudi Arabia.