Understanding how humans respond to environmental stressors—such as heat, cold, high altitude, and microgravity—and to extremes of physical exertion remains a central focus within physiological research. These conditions not only challenge physiological limits but also provide valuable insights into a range of clinical disorders, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory insufficiency, and disorders of thermoregulation, as well as informing practice in demanding occupational settings such as the military and emergency services.
As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events intensify, and human exposure to harsh environments increases through climate change, occupational demands, and growing opportunities for space and high-altitude exploration, the need to better understand and mitigate these stressors has never been greater. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, while healthy individuals are increasingly operating under extreme conditions.
Bringing together researchers, practitioners, and clinicians, this conference will span topics from molecular mechanisms to whole-body responses, highlighting how advances in environmental and exercise physiology can be translated into practical strategies to improve health, resilience, and performance across a variety of clinical and occupational contexts.