On the results of the 44th session of the IAC Coordinating Advisory Aeromedical Council and Aeromedical Congress, dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight

On April 8, 2026, the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) hosted the 44th session of the IAC Coordinating Advisory Aeromedical Council (IAC CAAC) and the 12th International Scientific and Practical Congress of the Association of Aerospace, Marine, Extreme, and Environmental Medicine of Russia (Association). These events were timed to coincide with the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight and the 30th anniversary of the joint work of the Association and the IAC CAAC.

The events were attended by representatives from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, including representatives of aviation authorities, ministries of transport and health, leading airlines, airports, scientific, educational, and medical institutions, and public associations.

The discussion focused on harmonizing and consolidating the efforts of the professional community, legislative, and regulatory authorities to preserve the health of specialists in extreme professions and ensure the safety of their work. The meeting addressed current development trends in aviation medicine, including digital transformation (the concept of the "Unified Digital Aviation Medicine Platform" and the "Electronic Pilot Health Passport"), the implementation of a fatigue risk management system (FRMS), monitoring aviation personnel burnout, developing medical requirements for unmanned aerial vehicle operators, and integrating space and marine medicine expertise into aviation practice.

The meeting summarized the 30-year activities of the IAC CAAC and Association. It was noted that over the past three decades, a unique interstate system has been established: more than 15 regulatory documents have been developed, a certification system for aviation medical institutions has been established, ongoing professional development courses have been organized, the specialty of "Aviation and Space Medicine" has been introduced into the health ministries of five CIS states, and the IAC has been approved as the coordinator of the CAPSCA program for the CIS states.

Following the meeting, the IAC CAAC developed a package of initiatives and measures that are planned to be sent to aviation authorities, public health agencies, and other relevant national bodies. The main goals of the IAC CAAC materials are to enhance aviation safety by improving medical support for aviation, enhancing the professional skills of aviation doctors, and preserving the health of aviation specialists.

On April 9-10, 2026, the IAC CAAC and Association continued their activities. The 12th All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation, "Aviation and Space Medicine: Interdisciplinary Strategies for Ensuring Professional Longevity and Aviation Safety," was held at the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education and the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics at VDNKh. Leading scientists from the Russian state scientific center, Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, pilot-cosmonauts, and specialists in flight medical examination, therapy, surgery, and rehabilitation participated in the conference.

During the events, participants repeatedly emphasized the symbolism of holding them in the year of the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight and noted that the history of interaction between the IAC and the Association exemplifies effective interstate and interdepartmental cooperation. Through collaborative efforts, we are able to preserve the best traditions of Russian aviation medicine and introduce modern scientific approaches into the practice of medical flight expertise, flight medical support, and professional rehabilitation.