Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 2025
Alfaisal University proudly participated in the Space Lead 25 Conference, a groundbreaking national event dedicated to advancing the Kingdom’s vision in space science, medicine, and innovation.
Space Lead 25 brought together scientists, clinicians, researchers, students, and international partners to explore the scientific, biomedical, engineering and technological opportunities presented by the space industry. The event was sponsored by Boeing, a global aerospace leader, whose sponsorship enabled wide participation and student engagement.
SpaceLead’25 Hackathon: Students’ Excellence
One of the conference’s activities was an interdisciplinary hackathon that covered innovation, medical and engineering tracks, feasibility, and prototyping.
Dr. Lara Samhan, Alfaisal medical graduate, won the Best Poster Award in the Medicine Track, receiving a prize of 3,000 SAR. Her winning poster, titled “Space Imagery Therapy”, explored the potential use of space visuals to reduce anxiety and support emotional well-being – a concept merging psychology, space health, and human performance (Supervisor: Dr. Baraa Alghalyini).
Alfaisal Faculty Lead Space Medicine Education
The conference also featured a highly engaging workshop led by two distinguished Alfaisal faculty members:
- Dr. Baraa Alghalyini – Vice Dean, College of Medicine & Scientific Steering Committee Member
• Dr. Wejdan Al-Ahmadi – Associate Scientist & Space Medicine Researcher & Scientific Steering Committee Member
Their interactive session, titled: “Introduction to Space Medicine & Research in Microgravity”, introduced participants to the core biomedical challenges of human spaceflight, including microgravity, radiation, circadian disruption, and immune adaptation.
The workshop included:
- Evidence-based review of landmark space medicine studies
- Hands-on activities using astronaut health scenarios
- A guided research design exercise encouraging participants to submit proposals
– in future Space Lead conferences
Advancing Saudi Arabia’s Space Medicine Future
Through strategic scientific leadership, innovative student research, and inspiring educational contributions, Alfaisal University continues to play a central role in shaping the future of biomedical space research in the Kingdom.
Space Lead 25 has opened the door for:
- Greater national and regional collaboration
- New research partnerships
- Student-driven innovation
- Expansion of Saudi presence in space medicine and human spaceflight research
