Grants and Contributions:

Title:
Vascular simulator for variable gravity mechanobiology
Agreement Number:
25HLSRM2
Agreement Value:
$180,000.00
Agreement Date:
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 15, 2027
Description:
The objective of this proposal is to design and test a vascular simulator for variable gravity mechanobiology to be used in future space missions. It will build upon a portable vascular simulator used to study the impact of variable gravity in a parabolic flight campaign of the carotid bifurcation. The simulator is being designed to study fundamental knowledge gaps in the biomechanics and mechanobiology of vascular adaptation and deconditioning. The vascular cell culture simulator will be used to expose human endothelial cells, blood cells and blood components to fluid and tissue stresses created during space flight to identify cellular response, adaptation and blood/drug interactions. The simulator will advance the development and testing of new countermeasures to limit cardiovascular risk in space flight. The vascular simulator developed will provide a platform to help answer specific research questions associated with endothelial cell response, inflammation and thrombosis formation.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:

The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.

Location:
Montreal, Quebec, CA H3A 0G4
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q2-00087
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
Academia
Recipient's Legal Name:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:

This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.

The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.