THAIS RUSSOMANO
Founder & Scientific Director
Dr. Thais Russomano is a physician, educator, researcher, consultant, and author internationally recognised for her contributions to space medicine and human spaceflight. Throughout her career she has worked across academia, research, education, and industry, helping to advance understanding of human health and performance in space and other extreme environments.
She is the Founder and Scientific Director of InnovaSpace and has led or contributed to numerous educational, research, consultancy, and outreach initiatives connecting students, professionals, organisations, and commercial partners around the world. Over more than three decades, she has collaborated with universities, research institutions, space agencies, and private companies on projects related to human space exploration, health, and performance.
Dr. Russomano has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, book chapters, and educational resources, and continues to promote international collaboration and knowledge sharing within the global space community.
Areas of Expertise:
She is the Founder and Scientific Director of InnovaSpace and has led or contributed to numerous educational, research, consultancy, and outreach initiatives connecting students, professionals, organisations, and commercial partners around the world. Over more than three decades, she has collaborated with universities, research institutions, space agencies, and private companies on projects related to human space exploration, health, and performance.
Dr. Russomano has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, book chapters, and educational resources, and continues to promote international collaboration and knowledge sharing within the global space community.
Areas of Expertise:
- Space Medicine
- Human Spaceflight
- Telehealth & Digital Health
- Extreme Environments
- Human Physiology
- Space Education & Outreach
- Scientific Consultancy
MARY UPRITCHARD
Co-Founder & Administrative Director
Mary Upritchard is Co-Founder and Administrative Director of InnovaSpace. Working alongside Dr. Thais Russomano since the organisation's creation in 2018, she plays a central role in the management, development, and strategic direction of the organisation.
Her responsibilities include project coordination, communications, website management, publishing support, business administration, and outreach activities. She is also a regular contributor to the InnovaSpace blog, helping to make topics related to human space exploration, space medicine, and life in extreme environments accessible to a wider audience.
With a longstanding interest in science, education, and space exploration, Mary is particularly passionate about inspiring curiosity and demonstrating that there are many ways for people of all ages and backgrounds to become involved in the future of space. Through InnovaSpace's educational initiatives, publications, and online resources, she works to help connect students, professionals, and enthusiasts with the exciting opportunities emerging within the global space sector.
Areas of Responsibility:
Her responsibilities include project coordination, communications, website management, publishing support, business administration, and outreach activities. She is also a regular contributor to the InnovaSpace blog, helping to make topics related to human space exploration, space medicine, and life in extreme environments accessible to a wider audience.
With a longstanding interest in science, education, and space exploration, Mary is particularly passionate about inspiring curiosity and demonstrating that there are many ways for people of all ages and backgrounds to become involved in the future of space. Through InnovaSpace's educational initiatives, publications, and online resources, she works to help connect students, professionals, and enthusiasts with the exciting opportunities emerging within the global space sector.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Operations & Administration
- Project Coordination
- Communications & Outreach
- Website & Content Management
- Publishing Support
- Educational Resources
InnovaSpace also benefits from the expertise and support of a global network of researchers, educators, clinicians, engineers, and specialists from a wide range of disciplines.