The establishment of sustainable lunar habitats represents a major objective in current and future space exploration programs. One of the central challenges for human habitation on the Moon lies in optimizing atmospheric conditions to ensure both safety and operational efficiency. Reducing internal habitat pressure below 1 bar could simplify structural design, lower resource demands, and substantially shorten pre-breathing protocols required for extravehicular activities (EVAs). Despite these potential advantages, the neural, cognitive, and physiological effects of long-term exposition to hypobaric environments remain insufficiently characterized in contexts relevant to long-duration missions. 

This research aims to investigate the neural and cognitive adaptations that occur under hypobaric conditions representative of future lunar habitats. Using a combination of neuroimaging and physiological monitoring techniques, including pre- and post-mission magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and electrocardiography (ECG), we will examine how reduced ambient pressure influences brain function, autonomic regulation, and cognitive performance during professional-like operational tasks. The study will focus on identifying potential adaptive and compensatory mechanisms in brain networks involved in attention, executive control, and psychomotor performance. 

In contrast to classical studies on high-altitude mountaineers, elite athletes, high-altitude settlers, and U-2 pilots, this project will employ ecologically valid professional tasks representative of lunar habitat operations. A set of cognitive and psychomotor tasks will be designed to simulate the workload of astronauts in a controlled hypobaric environment. These tasks will encompass resource management, equipment monitoring, multitasking, communication, and emergency decision-making—core functions essential for lunar mission operations. This approach will allow the assessment of both acute and progressive neurocognitive changes related to environmental stress and task complexity. 

This thesis pursues the two following objectives: 

1. Propose and validate a set of representative cognitive and operational tasks that accurately simulate the workload expected in lunar habitats. 

2. Investigate the effects of hypobaric exposure (<1 bar) on neural activity, cognitive performance, and physiological regulation during those simulated tasks. 

Experimental sessions will be conducted in hypobaric analog facilities, including potential sites such as the Pic du Midi Observatory, the hypobaric chamber of the Mont-de-Marsan CEAM (French Air and Space Force), and COMEX facilities in Marseille, which offer controlled low-pressure conditions during expositions of at least 2-3 days analogous to those foreseen in lunar habitats, and suitable for neurocognitive experimentation. 

Participants will undergo pre- and post-exposure MRI scans to evaluate structural and functional brain changes, fNIRS monitoring during simulated professional tasks to assess cortical hemodynamics, and ECG recordings to track autonomic responses. The experimental design will include repeated task sessions to capture both acute effects and adaptive trends.  

This study will provide new insights into how the human brain and cognition adapt to hypobaric lunar-like environments, identifying potential risks and adaptive mechanisms relevant for astronaut performance. The findings are expected to support the design of optimized lunar habitats, the development of evidence-based training programs, and the definition of safe operational pressure thresholds for future extraterrestrial missions. 

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For more Information about the topics and the co-financial partner (found by the lab!); contact Directeur de thèse - florence.remy@cnrs.fr

Then, prepare a resume, a recent transcript and a reference letter from your M2 supervisor/ engineering school director and you will be ready to apply online before March 13th, 2026 Midnight Paris time!