Space sector offers a model for international collaboration and drives health care innovation
(Toronto) January 31, 2025 — A groundbreaking new study published today in The Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, ‘ Harnessing international collaboration in the space sector to innovate healthcare’ (external link) , highlights how international collaboration in the space sector serves as a powerful model for global diplomacy and a driver of innovation in healthcare.
As health-care systems worldwide face growing challenges due to global health risks associated with the effects of climate change, international cooperation has never been more critical. The study, co-authored by Dr. Farhan Asrar, Associate Dean, Clinical Faculty Relations at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine, explores how space sector partnerships can serve as a model in informing global health strategies through cross-border collaboration, the pooling of research, resources and development efforts, and by advancing public health solutions through adaptive uses of space technologies.
“Collaboration is at the heart of both space exploration and healthcare innovation. Space agencies and their international partners have mastered cooperation despite geopolitical tensions, and we can apply those same principles to strengthen global health systems,” said Dr. Asrar.
Key Findings:
- The space sector has built a legacy of international partnerships, enabling nations such as Canada to participate in space missions despite not having domestic launch capabilities.
- Even amid global political tensions, space collaborations—such as the International Space Station—have continued between countries like the U.S., Canada and Russia.
- Public-private partnerships in the space sector have led to significant advancements, which could be applied to healthcare and global health issues, including mitigation of the global health impacts of climate change.
- Space technology and expertise can drive medical innovation, from telemedicine advancements to bioengineering breakthroughs.
The study features contributions from leading global experts, including officials from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, NASA, and the Brazilian Space Agency. By analyzing how space-based partnerships have overcome geopolitical challenges, the research underscores the potential for similar models to advance healthcare and diplomacy on Earth.
Interview opportunity:
Dr. Farhan M. Asrar, Associate Dean, Clinical Faculty Relations at School of Medicine, Toronto Metropolitan University
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About Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education. Urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 46,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 240,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit torontomu.ca.
School of Medicine at Toronto Metropolitan University
The School of Medicine is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities across Ontario and Canada, with a focus on the primary care needs of diverse and medically underserved populations, through community-engaged education, scholarship and service. For more information, visit torontomu.ca/school-of-medicine.
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