Prof. Karen Olsson-Francis

Directs the AstrobiologyOU research group, advising the European Space Agency and COSPAR on planetary protection protocols and exploring microbial survival mechanisms in simulated space conditions.

Official faculty profile ↗Research checked, not sponsored

Documented research interests and leadership

Research areas: Astrobiology, Extremophile Microbiology, Space Exploration Bio-Protection
Academic position: Director of AstrobiologyOU & Professor of Geomicrobiology
Primary university source: Official directory entry ↗
Recruitment status: Not verified. Leadership profile does not imply active vacancies or assistantship availability.

Supervision and contact

Students interested in graduate or doctoral research supervision in Astrobiology, Extremophile Microbiology, Space Exploration Bio-Protection are advised to consult formal department application channels.

Open University guide ↗Biology subject guide ↗Mentorship ↗

Important verification note

Facts reflect official university directory records reviewed 2026-10-15. Faculty recruitment and admissions require formal application.

Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue