Astrophysicist, astrobiologist and analog astronaut bringing Mars exploration, human spaceflight and science to life on stage.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
"You completely blew us away at the 'Knowledge Tasting'—it was a blend of physical-philosophical 'seminar-cabaret' that made us both think and laugh. A truly brilliant closing keynote!"
Petra Schabhüttel
Children's University Steyr
Dr. Gernot Grömer is an astrophysicist with a PhD in Astrobiology and one of the most recognized voices in European space exploration. As Director of the Austrian Space Forum, he leads the development of a Mars spacesuit simulator and oversees ambitious international research projects focused on future human missions to Mars. Alongside his scientific work, he is widely known as the host of the prime-time science show PM Wissen, broadcast on Austrian and German television. His unique combination of academic depth, field experience and media presence makes him a compelling speaker who connects cutting-edge science with real human stories from the edge of exploration.
Dr. Gernot Grömer’s career is rooted in understanding how humans can explore and survive beyond Earth. With a PhD in Astrobiology, his work focuses on the scientific, technical and human challenges of space missions. As Director of the Austrian Space Forum, he plays a central role in shaping research that prepares astronauts for future planetary exploration. A key part of this work is leading the development of a Mars spacesuit simulator, designed to test how humans operate, move and make decisions in conditions similar to those on Mars. His perspective bridges science, engineering and human performance in extreme environments.
As an active analog astronaut, Dr. Grömer does not study space exploration from a distance. He has personally experienced 30 minutes of weightlessness and accumulated 113 hours of simulated spacewalks. These experiences provide him with a rare, hands-on understanding of what it means to work in space-like conditions. By stepping into the role of an astronaut on Earth, he gains insights that directly inform research, training and mission design. On stage, these experiences translate into vivid stories that make space exploration tangible and relatable.
Dr. Gernot Grömer has led 14 international Mars simulations in some of the most Mars-like environments on Earth. These missions have taken place in locations such as the Utah Badlands, deep ice caves, the northern Sahara and the deserts of southern Oman. Each environment presents unique challenges, from isolation and extreme terrain to limited resources and communication constraints. Under his leadership, international teams test equipment, procedures and human resilience, generating valuable knowledge for future space missions. These simulations also offer powerful lessons in leadership, collaboration and decision-making under pressure.
Beyond research and fieldwork, Dr. Grömer is a prominent science communicator. As host of the prime-time science show PM Wissen, he brings complex scientific topics to a broad audience across Austria and Germany. This media experience shapes his speaking style: clear, engaging and grounded in real examples. He knows how to capture attention, simplify complexity without losing depth, and inspire curiosity about science and exploration.
When you book Dr. Gernot Grömer for your event, you invite your audience into the world of space exploration through the eyes of a scientist and explorer. His talks connect astrophysics, astrobiology and human exploration with themes relevant far beyond space: innovation, teamwork, resilience and curiosity. Whether addressing scientists, business leaders or a general audience, Dr. Grömer delivers a memorable experience that combines scientific credibility with authentic stories from the front lines of Mars simulation research.
5 of 5
"You completely blew us away at the 'Knowledge Tasting'—it was a blend of physical-philosophical 'seminar-cabaret' that made us both think and laugh. A truly brilliant closing keynote!"
Petra Schabhüttel Children's University Steyr
5 of 5
"Your presentation, the imagery, and our subsequent conversations resonated with us throughout the entire evening. We found ourselves constantly returning to specific details of your gripping talk long into the night... Thank you for such a stellar performance; it is always deeply impressive to witness your 200% passion for the Red Planet."
Harald Böck TRUMPF Machines
Keynote by Dr. Gernot Grömer:
Are your audiences overwhelmed by complexity, rapid change, and decisions that feel increasingly uncertain?
Dr. Gernot Grömer’s keynotes address exactly that challenge by taking listeners into the reality of space exploration, where uncertainty, risk and limited resources are the norm.
As an astrophysicist, astrobiologist and analog astronaut, Dr. Grömer shares first-hand insights from leading international Mars simulations and working in extreme, Mars-like environments on Earth. His talks show how clarity, teamwork and smart decision-making emerge under pressure – and how those principles translate directly to leadership, innovation and strategy here on Earth.
With the presence of a prime-time science host and the credibility of a space researcher, he delivers complex ideas in a way that is engaging, practical and memorable. The value is clear: your audience leaves inspired, equipped with fresh perspectives, and ready to navigate complexity with confidence.
Dr. Gernot Grömer can speak on the following topics:
Watch Dr. Gernot Grömer in action
