Dr. F. Javier Medina

F. Javier Medina, Head of Laboratory; Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas – CSIC, Madrid, Spain, is a biologist working on the cellular and molecular physiology of plants. Within space research, he focuses on the adaptations of plants to the space environment, identifying the physiological effects of altered gravity in order to enable the development of plant culture for human space exploration. He has conducted pioneering European experiments on the ISS, and has recently led a joint NASA–ESA project on the ISS on the effects of light and gravity on plant development, which received the NASA Group Achievements Award. He has also participated and/or directed other international projects in terrestrial installations of altered gravity, with the results considered as a references in the area. He has published more than 150 papers and book chapters and acted as an adviser to several international research organizations. He has received the Medal from the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) and the COSPAR Medal 2020 for International Cooperation.