Ben Cools

Ben Cools is a Researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), specializing in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences. He holds a doctoral student position in In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology. His work focuses on understanding hepatic responses to microgravity and space radiation, particularly in the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) countermeasures for astronauts.

Current projects include leading the FWOSB150 Project (2023-2027), investigating pannexin1 channels' role in NAFLD under microgravity and radiation conditions. He actively collaborates with the European Space Agency (ESA), presenting research at international forums like the Microphysiological Systems World Summit.

Key contributions include groundbreaking work on spaceflight hepatotoxicity mechanisms and advocating for reduced animal testing in space research via 3Rs principles. His activities span 8 professional engagements (2023-2025), including organizing conferences and advising ESA's Pharmacological Countermeasures Team.