On 2 February 2026, the University of Caen Normandy attended a Franco-Slovenian event aimed at strengthening cooperation in the space sector and presenting the Erasmus Mundus “SpaceMed” space medicine study program.
SpaceMed, a European program of excellence
Led by the University of Caen Normandy / COMETE, SpaceMed is a European Erasmus Mundus program run in partnership with Humboldt University/Charité (Germany) and the Jozef Stefan Institute (Slovenia). This joint Master’s program of excellence offers a unique and comprehensive interdisciplinary course on the effects of extreme environments, particularly spaceflight, on the human body. After an initial semester in France, students continue their studies in Germany and then in Slovenia, before undertaking an internship in academic or private organizations around the world.
Enhanced cooperation between France and Slovenia
In recent years, Slovenia has deepened its cooperation with France in the space sector, with the aim of pursuing shared ambitions in the academic, scientific, and economic spheres.
During this event, the French Ambassador to Slovenia, Fabienne Runyo, became an ambassador for the SpaceMed program. She joins astronauts Jean-François Clervoy (France), Robert Thirsk (Canada), and, more recently, Sunita Williams (United States), as representatives of the program.
On this occasion, Ambassador Fabienne Runyo emphasized that Franco-Slovenian bilateral cooperation contributes to and is part of Europe’s space strategy: “The priority for France and Europe is to ensure autonomous and competitive access to space and to contribute to the development of a space economy that supports European strategic autonomy. This involves, in particular, strengthening international cooperation and pursuing an ambitious training and research policy, as exemplified by the SpaceMed program.”
Matevž Frangež, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Slovenia, emphasized that “cooperation with France in the space sector is of strategic importance for Slovenia. Bringing together science, education, and the economy opens the door for Slovenian researchers and businesses to cutting-edge European programs and the development of future technologies.”
Programs such as SpaceMed confirm the scientific excellence of the participating partners and contribute significantly to strengthening the European space ecosystem.
Source: French Embassy in Slovenia
Photo credit: Marjan Verč
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