ESA runs the European Life and Physical Sciences in Space programme on behalf of its member states. The programme addresses a vast variety of topics in life sciences, including the reaction of living organisms - from cells to  astronauts - to the space environment (reduced gravity, radiation etc.). In physical sciences, the programme spans solar physics, atmospheric physics, fundamental physics, fluid physics and materials sciences. Gravity has a pervasive effect on a variety of physical processes and experimenting under reduced gravity conditions enables scientists to accede to regimes and conditions not achievable on Earth.
Dr. Minster will provide a brief overview of the programme and delve into some details of prominent projects and results in physical sciences and future perspectives in basic and applied research, utilising the International Space Station in particular.