HUJust over a year ago, we announced through our website that Dr. Botond Szűcs, Chief Biologist of PHARMAFLIGHT, had received major international recognition by being elected as a Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine (IAASM). This November, we are pleased to share another remarkable achievement: at its most recent session held in Singapore only days ago, the world-renowned organization elected Dr. Szűcs as a full Academician.
IAASMFollowing his return from Singapore, we spoke with Dr. Szűcs about the significance of this honour.
“Being elected as an Academician of the IAASM came as an extraordinary and unexpected recognition,” he shared. “This represents the highest level of international acknowledgement in the fields of aviation and space medicine, as well as human performance optimisation. IAASM membership is limited to 275 individuals worldwide, ensuring both exclusivity and a consistently high level of professional excellence. At present, the Academy has around 220 full members.”
When asked about the unusually swift advancement through the membership stages, he explained:
“Typically, the qualification pathway is longer and includes two preliminary levels. The first is the IAASM Affiliate status, which I received in early 2024 — a mentored category for early-career specialists, held for up to five years. The second step is the IAASM Associate Member status, for which I applied this summer. This requires at least five years of professional experience in aviation medicine, human performance optimisation, or the aviation industry, and may also be held for a maximum of five years. However, during the selective admission process, the Academy’s Election Committee awarded me full academic membership instead — a status requiring at least ten years of experience, exceptional professional contributions such as publications, leadership roles, and international conferences, as well as recommendations from at least two existing Academicians.”
IAASMRegarding the importance of the achievement for himself, PHARMAFLIGHT, and Hungary, he added:
“It is undoubtedly a milestone for all involved. IAASM, founded in 1955, is an international elite scientific academy based on individual membership, bringing together physicians and researchers who demonstrate outstanding achievements in aviation and space medicine and life sciences. This represents the highest level of organically earned international scientific recognition — both for myself and for PHARMAFLIGHT.”
Looking ahead, he explained how the title will support future work:
“The IAASM brings together more than 200 Academicians across all continents, offering unique opportunities for: • international research collaborations with leading experts, • sponsorship and mentorship connections supporting our research, • and, in the long term, direct access to decision-makers and policy advisors — since IAASM members are frequently invited to consult for governments and international bodies. At the same time, the Academician status significantly increases the visibility and weight of our scientific work. Both myself and PHARMAFLIGHT may now be referenced as expert contributors in the development of international standards and guidelines. This title is therefore not merely symbolic — it is a strategic asset that strengthens our research networks, enhances access to funding opportunities, increases international influence, and elevates the global visibility of PHARMAFLIGHT’s laboratory activities.”
IAASMDr. Szűcs also shared details of the formal induction:
“The ceremony took place on October 29, 2025, in the evening at the One Farrer Hotel in Singapore. The event was organised exclusively for IAASM Academicians, and PHARMAFLIGHT was also represented by Gyula Győri, Honorary Associate Professor and Chairman of PHARMAFLIGHT Zrt.; Dr. Enikő Földi, Chief Executive Officer; and Dr. Anita Pályi, Legal Director.”