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Senior Scientist in Space Biology, Overseeing Research and Experiments on the International Space Station (ISS)
Elevating Korea’s Space Medicine and Space Life Sciences to the Next Level at the Institute for Future Space Exploration

The Institute of Future Space Exploration has appointed Dr. Fathi Karouia from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an academic research professor. A leading authority in the fields of space medicine and space life sciences, Dr. Karouia has spent over 25 years at NASA, accumulating unrivaled practical experience and expertise in areas including space medicine, space life sciences, astrobiology, planetary protection, astronaut health, and life science research aboard the ISS. Dr. Karouia plans to conduct his research in space medicine and space life sciences while holding concurrent positions at both NASA and the Institute for Future Space Exploration.

Tackling Key Challenges in Space Exploration

Dr. Karouia served as the Portfolio Lead Scientist for Space Biology at NASA, overseeing research and experiments conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). He also serves as the co-chair of the Advancements in Astrobiology and Space Exploration Development Committee and the Space Manufacturing and Production Applications Committee at the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), contributing to priority-setting for space exploration and the emerging space bioeconomy.

In 2025, Kyung Hee University was selected for the “University Basic Research Institute Support Project (G-LAMP)” and subsequently established the Institute for Future Space Exploration as a core thematic research center. The institute conducts pioneering research focused on three major pillars: core space exploration technology, space AI, and basic space medicine. With Dr. Karouia’s arrival, the institute will take on the primary challenges humanity faces in the process of exploring space.

Furthermore, Dr. Karouia is expected to continue joint research with Dr. Man Seok Kim of the School of Medicine, who is the first Korean to participate in the “NASA GeneLab Working Group.” Dr. Karouia and Professor Kim have been conducting collaborative research for several years to advance space medicine. Dr. Karouia states, “I will work to build strong cooperative relationships with Kyung Hee’s outstanding scientists and Korea’s space ecosystem, including the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), and further contribute to fostering the next generation of innovators in the fields of space medicine and space life sciences.” Professor Kim explained, “Our goal is to solve the critical issues encountered in human space exploration while creating biomedical innovations that benefit humanity on Earth.”