From outer space to Antarctica, humans are increasingly working in places where isolation, risk and uncertainty are part of everyday life.
As exploration expands into more extreme environments, new questions emerge about how we prepare, adapt and care for people operating at the limits of human endurance.
Featuring Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australian of the Year 2026 and our first qualified astronaut, alongside Tasmanian experts working in remote and extreme environments, this talk explores how health, wellbeing and performance are being supported, both here on Earth and beyond.
Tickets are free but essential, register now to avoid missing out.
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.
About the experts:
Katherine Bennell-Pegg is an Australian astronaut and space systems engineer. She is the first professional astronaut to officially represent Australia and the 2026 Australian of the Year.
In 2024, she graduated from the European Space Agency’s 13-month Astronaut Basic Training as one of six members of “The Hoppers” class, selected through ESA’s 2022 astronaut intake from more than 22,500 applicants.
Katherine is a Director at the Australian Space Agency, where she has played a key role in growing Australia’s space capability. Her work has included technical leadership on the Moon to Mars Trailblazer “Roo-ver” lunar mission, advancing national space strategy, and managing programs to strengthen satellite, infrastructure and launch capabilities.
With 15 years’ experience across space agencies and industry in Australia, Europe, the UK and the US, Katherine has contributed to major international missions, including the Orion spacecraft for NASA’s Artemis program, space station facilities, Earth observation missions and robotic satellite capture technologies.
She holds four degrees across physics, space and aeronautical engineering, and an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering. A Group Captain in the Air Force Reserve and former Australian Army officer, she received the Sword of Honour at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Katherine is passionate about using space to expand opportunity for researchers and industry, grow Australia’s STEM workforce, and inspire the next generation.
Facilitated by Dr Tara Martin, Director, Antarctic Tasmania
Dr Martin is the Director of Antarctic, Science and Technology with the Tasmanian Department of State Growth, where she seeks to grow the Antarctic, space, science and technology sectors in Tasmania. Tara’s prior professional expertise is in Antarctic and marine science, geophysics and research infrastructure management.
Photo credit: Andy Roberts