Space Park Conversations: Worms, the ISS and Space Park Leicester

Space Park Conversations

Scientists from the University of Leicester who helped send microscopic worms to the International Space Station as part of a pioneering experiment into the future of long-duration space travel will share the remarkable story behind the mission during a special public talk at Space Park Leicester.

Join Scientist and Engineer John Holt and Professor Mark Sims as they explore the science, engineering and mission behind the Fluorescent Deep Space Petri Pod (FDSPP) experiment at the latest Space Park Conversations event: “Worms, the ISS and Space Park Leicester.”

Recently launched and installed aboard the International Space Station, the FDSPP is the University of Leicester’s first microgravity mission in deep space. The experiment represents a major milestone in biological research beyond Earth and showcases how Leicester innovation is contributing to the future of human space exploration.

The FDSPP is a miniaturised hardware platform designed to carry out remotely operated biological experiments in space using advanced fluorescent and white-light imaging systems. The biological investigation is led by the University of Exeter — now in collaboration with Ohio University — while the instrumentation platform was developed and led by the University of Leicester, with hardware design and development undertaken at Space Park Leicester.

The talk will provide a fascinating insight into:

• Designing biological experiments for space
• Developing hardware for the ISS
• Microgravity science and astrobiology
• The future of sustainable human life beyond Earth
• How Leicester researchers are helping shape the next era of space exploration

The FDSPP forms part of a growing international effort to develop practical biological systems capable of supporting human life beyond Earth — including future approaches to sustainable food production and waste management in extreme environments.

Whether you are a space enthusiast, student, researcher, engineer or simply curious about the future of life in space, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the team behind a live experiment currently operating aboard the ISS.

Location: Space Park Leicester
Format: In-person public talk and Q&A
Admission: Free (booking required)

• Free to attend
• Open to all (students, staff, industry and public audiences)
• Complimentary refreshments available
• The Blue Marble Café will be open for drinks, snacks and lunch

Space Park Conversations is our regular programme of free public talks bringing together leading experts from across science, technology, engineering and beyond. Each session offers unique insights into the work shaping our world and our understanding of the universe.

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Host or Publisher Space Park Leicester (University of Leicester)