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Training Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Space Pharmacy

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Institute of Space and Applied Technologies

Welcome Message

Welcome to the Training Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Space Pharmacy.
Space pharmacy is an emerging interdisciplinary field at the intersection of pharmaceutical sciences, microgravity research, and artificial intelligence. In the extreme environments of spaceflight—microgravity, elevated radiation, limited resources, and long-duration missions—traditional pharmaceutical approaches face unique challenges related to drug stability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), manufacturing, storage, and on-demand production. Artificial Intelligence, combined with immersive Metaverse technologies, offers powerful tools for drug discovery, formulation design, stability prediction, robotic dispensing, vaccine and antibiotic development, and autonomous pharmacy operations.
This diploma introduces learners and professionals to the essential concepts and practical applications of AI and Metaverse technologies in space pharmacy. It does not require participants to be advanced AI engineers, pharmaceutical scientists, or astronautical specialists. Instead, it provides a structured, applied introduction for motivated learners who want to understand how AI can support pharmaceutical operations for the International Space Station (ISS), deep-space missions, lunar gateways, and future Mars settlements.
Through online lectures and interactive Metaverse-based workshops, participants will explore AI applications in drug manufacturing, 3D molecular reconstruction, oncology therapeutics under radiation risk, microgravity pharmacokinetics, vaccine and antibiotic development, ISS pharmaceutical experiments, robotic dispensing, regulatory frameworks, and future commercial space pharmacies.
The program is compact, focused, and practical. It is suitable for learners taking their first academic and professional step into the growing field of AI-supported space Pharmacy.

Prof. Dr. Mohanad Al-Ansari
Head of the Program

About the Institution

The Autonomous Academy of Higher and Professional Education in Zurich, Switzerland officially established the Institute of Space and Applied Technologies on 01.05.2026. The Institute was created as a forward-looking educational and professional platform dedicated to space studies, applied sciences, emerging technologies, and their practical use in the modern world.
The Autonomous Academy has a strong background in digital and flexible education. It is recognized as one of the pioneering virtual education institutions in Europe, offering virtual learning opportunities since 2013. This long experience in online and distance education gives the Academy a solid foundation to develop modern institutes that respond to the needs of today’s learners, professionals, and international communities.
The Academy is part of VBNN Smart Education Group and the Swiss International University network, which strengthens its international academic environment and connects it with a wider educational ecosystem. Swiss International University has been recognized in international rankings, including being ranked No. 3 worldwide by QRNW among international institutions and No. 22 by QS for Executive Education, reflecting the growing global profile of the network and its commitment to quality, innovation, and international education.
As part of VBNN Smart Education Group, the Academy benefits from an international education environment that supports innovation, digital learning, and career-relevant study pathways. Its programs are designed to combine structured learning with practical application, helping participants develop knowledge, confidence, and skills that can be used in professional, technical, administrative, and service-oriented contexts.
The Institute of Space and Applied Technologies was established to address the increasing importance of space-related knowledge in today’s economy and society. Space technologies are now connected to many fields, including satellite communication, navigation systems, climate monitoring, environmental protection, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, data science, smart cities, logistics, security, and sustainable development. This means that space is no longer only a scientific field for astronauts or large space agencies; it has become an applied sector that influences daily life, business, research, and global innovation.
Through this Institute, the Autonomous Academy aims to provide learners, professionals, and institutions with access to knowledge that links scientific understanding with real-world applications. The Institute supports interdisciplinary learning by connecting space science with applied technology, digital transformation, engineering concepts, data analysis, sustainability, and innovation management.
The Institute also reflects the Academy’s mission to make high-quality virtual education accessible to learners across borders. By combining Swiss educational values, international cooperation, and modern online learning methods, the Institute of Space and Applied Technologies seeks to prepare individuals for future-oriented sectors where technology, science, and practical problem-solving meet.
As part of the Autonomous Academy’s wider vision, the Institute will contribute to professional development, lifelong learning, research awareness, and global knowledge exchange. Its establishment on 01.05.2026 represents a new step in building educational pathways that help learners understand the technologies shaping the future of Earth, space, and society.
The Academy places strong emphasis on quality, learner support, and international accessibility. Through online lectures, guided learning, workshops, seminars, and specialized training opportunities, it seeks to create an educational experience that is flexible, focused, and relevant to today’s changing world. 

About the Diploma Program

This diploma is intended for learners and professionals who wish to build introductory and applied knowledge in Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse applications in space pharmacy. It is especially suitable for participants with an interest in pharmaceutical sciences, space medicine, drug discovery, microgravity research, AI systems, regulatory science, or space technology innovation.

The program combines online lectures with interactive Metaverse workshops to support both conceptual understanding and practical exploration in a guided learning environment.

With a total workload of 37.5 training hours, the program offers a compact yet meaningful learning experience for those seeking an introduction to AI-driven space pharmacy and immersive digital pharmaceutical environments.

The program aims to:

  • Highlight the role of AI in space pharmacy operations, drug discovery, formulation, stability, and manufacturing under microgravity and radiation conditions

  • Support understanding of AI-assisted workflows in pharmaceutical development and on-orbit operations

  • Introduce participants to Metaverse-based simulations of ISS pharmacy, molecular modeling, and robotic systems

  • Encourage discussion about regulatory, ethical, technical, and human factors in space pharmacy applications

  • Prepare learners for further study or professional exploration in space pharmacy, digital health, pharmaceutical AI, and space technology fields

 The program is not designed as a full pharmaceutical, medical, engineering, or software development qualification. Instead, it provides a structured training foundation for learners who want to understand AI applications in space pharmacy and their practical implications.

Duration of Study

12+1 weeks.

The program includes 12 main study weeks plus Week 13 for final review and evaluation.

Language of Instruction

English

Why Choose This Diploma?

The Training Diploma in AI in Space Pharmacy is designed for learners who want a focused introduction to one of the most specialized and future-oriented areas of pharmaceutical science and space technology. AI is increasingly connected to drug discovery, formulation stability under radiation, continuous manufacturing, robotic dispensing, vaccine and antibiotic development, and autonomous pharmacy systems for long-duration space missions.

This diploma offers a practical starting point for participants who wish to understand how AI and immersive digital environments can support pharmaceutical operations beyond Earth.

Participants may choose this diploma because it offers:

  • A focused introduction to AI applications in space pharmacy

  • A compact study structure over 12 weeks

  • A combination of online lectures and interactive Metaverse workshops

  • Exposure to AI in drug manufacturing, molecular reconstruction, oncology therapeutics, microgravity PK/PD, vaccines, antibiotics, ISS operations, and robotic systems

  • Introductory understanding of digital twins, virtual labs, and autonomous pharmacy concepts for space

  • Awareness of regulatory frameworks (NASA, FDA, ESA), planetary protection, and ethical considerations

  • A suitable foundation for pharmaceutical professionals, space medicine specialists, AI researchers, IT specialists, and innovators

  • Practical discussion of future trends in commercial space pharmacies, lunar gateway, and Mars settlement pharmaceuticals

This program is especially valuable for learners who want to explore the AI space pharmacy sector before continuing to more advanced technical, academic, or professional pathways.

Who Is This Diploma For?

This diploma is suitable for learners and professionals who are interested in AI, pharmaceutical sciences, space medicine, and space technology innovation.

It may be especially suitable for:

  • Pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, and formulators interested in space applications

  • Space medicine and aerospace medicine professionals

  • Medical and pharmacy students interested in digital and space health

  • IT professionals and AI specialists working in or wishing to enter pharmaceutical or space technology sectors

  • Researchers interested in AI, microgravity research, and Metaverse applications in drug discovery

  • Professionals involved in drug manufacturing, quality-by-design, or regulatory affairs

  • Innovators and career changers exploring AI, space pharmacy, and autonomous systems

  • Participants interested in virtual pharmaceutical laboratories and robotic dispensing

The diploma is also suitable for motivated learners from different backgrounds who wish to understand the basic principles and applications of AI in space pharmacy.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are generally expected to meet one of the following:

  • Completion of secondary school or an equivalent qualification, or

  • Relevant professional or technical experience, or

  • Demonstrated interest in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, space medicine, AI, digital health, microgravity research, or related fields

Applicants from different educational or professional backgrounds may also be considered on the basis of motivation and relevant experience.

A medical or pharmacy license is not required for admission, as the program is educational and introductory in nature. However, participants from pharmaceutical, medical, healthcare, technical, or administrative backgrounds may find the program especially relevant.

Required Documents

Applicants may be required to submit the following documents:

•            Completed application form

•            Copy of passport or national ID

•            Recent personal photograph

•            Copy of highest educational certificate, if available

•            CV or short professional profile

•            Short motivation statement

•            Proof of payment of the application fee

•            Any additional documents requested by the admissions office

Applicants should ensure that all submitted documents are clear, accurate, and valid.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants are expected to be able to:

  • Understand the basic concepts of space pharmacy and the effects of microgravity and radiation on drugs

  • Describe how AI supports drug manufacturing, formulation, stability prediction, and quality-by-design in space contexts

  • Explain the role of AI tools such as AlphaFold, molecular docking, and predictive models in space drug discovery

  • Identify AI applications in oncology therapeutics, vaccine design, antibiotic development, and antimicrobial resistance under spaceflight conditions

  • Understand how Metaverse environments support virtual ISS pharmacy operations, molecular reconstruction, and robotic simulations

  • Describe autonomous pharmacy concepts, robotic dispensing, and AI inventory management for space missions

  • Recognize key regulatory frameworks (NASA, FDA, ESA), planetary protection, and ethical issues in extraterrestrial medicine

  • Reflect on the responsible use of AI tools in space pharmacy without replacing professional judgment

  • Develop a basic foundation for further study or professional exploration in AI space pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology, or space health systems

Program Objectives

The main objective of this diploma is to provide participants with introductory and applied knowledge of AI and Metaverse applications in space pharmacy.

The program aims to:

  • Introduce participants to the basic concepts of space pharmacy and AI foundations

  • Explain how AI can support drug discovery, manufacturing, formulation stability, and operations in microgravity

  • Familiarize learners with AI-supported tools for molecular reconstruction, oncology, vaccines, antibiotics, and robotic systems

  • Develop awareness of Metaverse-based pharmaceutical simulations and virtual laboratory environments

  • Introduce real ISS pharmaceutical experiments and logistics considerations

  • Encourage responsible thinking about regulatory frameworks, ethics, and human-AI collaboration in space pharmacy

  • Support learners in understanding future opportunities in commercial space pharmacies and deep-space pharmaceutical systems

Skills You Will Develop

Participants are expected to develop introductory skills and awareness in several areas related to AI in space pharmacy.

These may include:

  • Basic understanding of AI applications in space pharmacy

  • Ability to identify AI use cases in drug manufacturing, formulation, and stability prediction

  • Introductory awareness of molecular reconstruction tools and protein-drug interactions in zero-G

  • Understanding of AI-supported vaccine and antibiotic development strategies for space

  • Awareness of Metaverse-based virtual laboratories and ISS pharmacy simulations

  • Understanding of autonomous pharmacy and robotic dispensing concepts

  • Introductory knowledge of regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations for space pharmaceuticals

  • Basic ability to discuss AI-driven protocols for long-duration missions

  • Confidence to continue into further study or training in AI, pharmaceutical sciences, space medicine, or space technology

The program helps participants build a foundation for future learning rather than independent clinical, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or software development practice.

Duration and Study Format

•            Duration: 13 weeks

•            Study Load: 3 hours per week for the first 12 weeks; final week 1.5 hours

•            Format: 2 hours online lecture + 1 hour metaverse workshop per week during the main study weeks

•            Final Week: 1.5 hours for review, discussion, reflection, and evaluation

•            Total Training Volume: 37.5 training hours

Program Structure

The program is delivered over 13 weeks and combines online lectures with interactive metaverse workshops.

The structure may include:

  • Weekly online lectures

  • Weekly metaverse-based workshops

  • Guided reading and learning activities

  • Interactive healthcare simulations

  • Case-based examples

  • Short assignments or reflections

  • Group discussion

  • Final review and evaluation activity

The total training volume is 37.5 training hours.

The program is structured to help learners move step by step from general AI healthcare concepts to more specialized applications in diagnostics, surgery, patient care, digital medical twins, virtual healthcare delivery, and ethical implementation.

Suggested Weekly Content Plan

Week 1

  • Topic: Introduction to Space Pharmacy & AI Foundations

  • Online Lecture: What is Space Pharmacy? Microgravity effects on PK/PD, drug stability, ISS medical kit

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Orientation in Virtual ISS Pharmacy + Avatars & Lab safety

  • Learning Outcomes: Understand foundational concepts of space pharmacy and AI entry points

Week 2

  • Topic: AI in Drug Manufacturing & Development

  • Online Lecture: ML for retrosynthesis, QSAR, continuous manufacturing, quality-by-design

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Hands-on AI-driven formulation simulator (predict solubility, crystallization)

  • Learning Outcomes: Describe AI applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing and formulation design

Week 3

  • Topic: 3D Reconstruction of Drugs & Proteins

  • Online Lecture: AlphaFold2, RoseTTAFold, cryo-EM + AI, molecular docking in zero-G

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Reconstruct a drug-protein complex in VR, manipulate 3D structure

  • Learning Outcomes: Explain AI tools for molecular reconstruction and docking in microgravity contexts

Week 4

  • Topic: AI + Metaverse + Oncology Drugs

  • Online Lecture: AI for oncology target discovery, space radiation cancer risk, tumor organoids in space

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Case study — Design oncology drug pipeline for deep-space mission in metaverse

  • Learning Outcomes: Identify AI strategies for oncology therapeutics under space radiation conditions

Week 5

  • Topic: AI & Drug Discovery in Microgravity

  • Online Lecture: Predictive AI for pharmacokinetics in microgravity, protein folding changes

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Train ML model for protein folding in space data

  • Learning Outcomes: Understand AI approaches to PK/PD and protein behavior in microgravity

Week 6

  • Topic: AI + Metaverse Vaccine Development

  • Online Lecture: mRNA design with AI, virtual lab simulations, digital twins for immune response

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Immersive VR lab — Antigen modeling & 3D vaccine prototyping

  • Learning Outcomes: Describe AI and digital twin applications in space vaccine development

Week 7

  • Topic: AI + Metaverse Antibiotic & AMR in Space

  • Online Lecture: Antibiotic resistance mechanisms in spaceflight, AI for novel antibiotic discovery

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: On-orbit pharma manufacturing case study, bioreactor design

  • Learning Outcomes: Explain AI strategies against antimicrobial resistance in space environments

Week 8

  • Topic: ISS Experience — Space Pharmaceutical Operations

  • Online Lecture: Real ISS pharmaceuticals experiments (Merck crystallization, etc.), logistics

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Scenario — Emergency medication dispensing in zero-G (Metaverse role-play)

  • Learning Outcomes: Apply knowledge of real ISS pharmaceutical operations and emergency scenarios

Week 9

  • Topic: AI for Space Drug Discovery & Formulation Stability

  • Online Lecture: AI-driven stability prediction, shelf-life extension, radiation degradation

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Predict drug expiry for Mars mission

  • Learning Outcomes: Evaluate AI methods for predicting drug stability under radiation and long-duration conditions

Week 10

  • Topic: Autonomous Pharmacy & Robotic Dispensing

  • Online Lecture: Robotic dispensing in microgravity, telepharmacy, AI inventory management

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Program a virtual robotic dispensing arm

  • Learning Outcomes: Understand autonomous pharmacy systems and robotic dispensing concepts

Week 11

  • Topic: Regulatory Frameworks — NASA, FDA, ESA

  • Online Lecture: Planetary protection, FDA space guidelines, ethics of extraterrestrial medicine

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Mock regulatory submission dossier

  • Learning Outcomes: Recognize key regulatory and ethical frameworks governing space pharmaceuticals

Week 12

  • Topic: Capstone Final Project & Future Careers

  • Online Lecture: Commercial space pharmacies, lunar gateway, Mars settlement pharma

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Final pitch in Metaverse — Present your Space Pharmacy Operations Plan

  • Learning Outcomes: Integrate learning into a space pharmacy operations plan and reflect on career pathways

Week 13

  • Topic: Final Review and Evaluation

  • Online Lecture: Review, discussion, reflection, and final assessment or evaluation activity

  • Metaverse Workshop / Activity: Final review and evaluation activity

  • Learning Outcomes: Summarize the main Space Pharmacy applications studied and reflect on further learning or professional development

Teaching and Learning Method

The diploma uses a combination of online lectures, metaverse workshops, guided discussion, and independent learning. The teaching approach is designed to support learners who are new to AI healthcare applications while still giving them exposure to practical and emerging digital health concepts.

Learning methods may include:

  • Online lectures

  • Metaverse workshops

  • Virtual healthcare simulations

  • Technical presentations

  • Guided reading materials

  • Case-based examples

  • Short assignments

  • Reflective learning tasks

  • Group discussion

  • Final review, project, or evaluation activity

The program encourages active participation. Learners are expected to attend sessions, ask questions, take notes, join discussions, and complete required tasks.

The metaverse workshop format allows participants to explore AI healthcare concepts in a simulated digital environment, clarify technical and ethical questions, and connect theory to practical healthcare scenarios.

Student Support

Participants may receive academic and administrative support during the program.

Support may include:

  • Orientation before the start of the course

  • Access to online learning materials

  • Guidance from trainers or lecturers

  • Workshop-based academic discussion

  • Assignment instructions and feedback

  • Administrative support for registration and documents

  • Technical support for online access, where available

  • General guidance regarding learning activities and final evaluation preparation

Students are encouraged to communicate with the program team if they need clarification, guidance, or support during their studies.

Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to behave professionally and respectfully.

Participants should:

  • Respect trainers, staff, and other learners

  • Communicate politely during online and metaverse sessions

  • Avoid disruptive behavior

  • Respect different educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds

  • Follow academic honesty rules

  • Use online and virtual platforms responsibly

  • Keep shared materials confidential where required

  • Respect privacy and ethical principles in simulated healthcare activities

Professional behavior is especially important in healthcare and technology fields, where responsibility, accuracy, confidentiality, teamwork, and communication are essential.

Academic Integrity

Participants must submit their own work and must not copy from other learners, websites, books, artificial intelligence tools, or other sources without proper acknowledgement.

Academic misconduct may include:

  • Plagiarism

  • Submitting copied work

  • Using another person’s work as your own

  • Fabricating information

  • Misusing artificial intelligence tools

  • Providing false documents

  • Cheating in assessments

  • Misrepresenting clinical, technical, or professional experience

Academic integrity supports trust, fairness, and professional development.

Assessment

Assessment may include participation, workshop contribution, short assignments, reflective tasks, case discussions, final project presentation, or a final evaluation activity, depending on the delivery arrangement.

The final stage of the program may include review, discussion, reflection, and a final assessment or evaluation activity.

Certificate / Diploma Awarded

Participants who successfully complete the program requirements may receive a:

Training Diploma in AI and Space Pharmacy

Tuition Fees

The following mandatory fees apply:

Application Fee: EUR 300

Course Fee: EUR 4,000

AQC 12%: EUR 480

Exam administration fee: EUR 110

E-Certificate Fee: EUR 100

Total estimated fee: EUR 4,990

Online payment: Additional 4%

Optional Services and Training

Optional services and training may be available for an additional fee, including:

•            Printed certificate, available upon request for additional fee

•            Legalization services, available upon request for additional fee

•            Courier delivery, where available

•            Additional document services

•            Specialized simulation or practical training opportunities, subject to availability

•            Extra academic or administrative services

•            Individual evaluation or sessions

Optional services are not included in the standard mandatory fee package unless specifically stated in writing.

Career Opportunities

This diploma may support participants who wish to explore future opportunities in space pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology, AI-supported drug discovery, space medicine support, autonomous systems, regulatory affairs related to space pharmaceuticals, or related fields.

Because the program introduces learners to AI applications in space pharmacy, it may help participants strengthen their profile and increase their chances of being considered for related entry-level, support, research assistance, administrative, digital health, or space technology opportunities when compared with applicants who do not have relevant training in AI space pharmacy.

Possible areas of interest after completion may include:

·         Space pharmacy research support

·         AI pharmaceutical project assistance

·         Formulation and stability analysis awareness roles

·         Autonomous pharmacy and robotic systems coordination

·         Digital twin and virtual laboratory support

·         Regulatory affairs awareness for space pharmaceuticals

·         Vaccine and antibiotic development support in specialized environments

·         Further study in pharmaceutical sciences, space medicine, health informatics, AI, or space technology

This diploma does not guarantee employment, pharmaceutical licensing, clinical authorization, or independent professional practice. However, it may help learners build introductory knowledge, demonstrate interest in the field, and support further learning or professional exploration in AI space pharmacy and related domains.

Attendance Requirements

Participants are expected to attend and participate in the scheduled online lectures and metaverse workshop sessions.

A minimum attendance of 80% applies. Participants who miss several sessions may be asked to complete additional work for an additional fee or may not be eligible for final certification.

Attendance is important because the program is compact and each week covers essential content.

Important Notes About Optional Services

Optional services are not included in the standard mandatory fee package unless specifically stated in writing.

Optional services may include:

  • Printed certificate

  • Courier delivery

  • Legalization services

  • Additional document services

  • Specialized simulation or practical training opportunities

  • Extra academic or administrative services

Fees for optional services may vary depending on the request, country, timeline, and external service requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this diploma suitable for beginners?

Yes. The diploma is designed as an introductory and applied training program. It is suitable for motivated learners who want to understand the basics of AI and Metaverse applications in healthcare services.

Do I need a medical or pharmaceutical background?

A medical or pharmaceutical background is helpful but not always required. The program may also be suitable for IT professionals, administrators, researchers, innovators, and motivated learners interested in digital health and AI healthcare applications.

Do I need an AI or programming background?

No advanced AI or programming background is required. The diploma introduces AI concepts in a healthcare context and focuses on understanding applications, workflows, opportunities, and responsible use.

How long is the program?

The program lasts 13 weeks, including 12 main study weeks and one final review and evaluation week.

How many hours should I study each week?

Participants should expect around 3-4 hours per week during the main study weeks, including lectures, workshops, and independent learning. The final week includes 1.5 hours for review and evaluation.

What is the total training volume?

The total training volume is 37.5 training hours.

What is the study format?

The format includes 2 hours of online lecture and 1 hour of metaverse workshop per week during the main study weeks. Week 13 includes final review, discussion, reflection, and evaluation.

Will I receive a diploma?

Participants who successfully complete the program requirements may receive the
Training Diploma in AI and Space Pharmacy..

Is there an exam?

Assessment may include participation, workshop contribution, short assignments, reflective tasks, case discussions, final project presentation, or final evaluation activity.

Are the metaverse workshops required?

Yes, the metaverse workshops are part of the learning structure. They help participants connect theory with interactive digital healthcare simulations.

Does this diploma allow me to practice pharmacy or medicine?

No. This diploma does not provide a pharmaceutical license, medical license, clinical authorization, or permission to practice medicine. It is an educational training program focused on AI and space pharmacy concepts.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International applicants may apply if they meet the admission requirements and can participate in the online and metaverse-based format.

Does this diploma improve my chance to get a job?

This diploma may help participants strengthen their profile and increase their chances of being considered for related entry-level, support, research assistance, administrative, digital health, or space technology opportunities when compared with applicants who do not have relevant training in AI space pharmacy. The diploma is designed to provide introductory knowledge, demonstrate interest in the field, and support further learning or professional exploration in AI space pharmacy and related domains.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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