From November 9 to 11, 2026, Zagreb will once again host a gathering of experts from the fields of aviation medicine and the aviation industry. The second AvioMed Forum will take place at Hotel Antunović, bringing an expanded three-day international programme under the theme “Human Factors Above Clouds”, with a particular focus on human factors, health, and aviation safety.

The first edition of the forum, held on October 24 and 25, 2025, marked an important step towards strengthening cooperation between Croatia’s medical and aviation communities. Under the theme “Building Bridges – Together for Health in Aviation”, the event provided a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience among aviation medical examiners, pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin and technical crew members, and other aviation professionals. Particular attention was paid to topics that often receive less consideration in everyday aviation operations, including mental health, fatigue, occupational stress, and work-life balance.

The initiative was launched by Croatian Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) Dr Martina Elez, head of the OptimaMed Aeromedical Centre, who, together with her colleagues, established the project to strengthen cooperation between domestic and international experts. Organising such an event, particularly with international participation, represents a valuable contribution to Croatia’s aviation community. The forum’s return for a second consecutive year, now with an additional day of presentations, demonstrates the intention to develop the initial initiative into a lasting platform for professional cooperation.

This year’s programme begins on November 9 with presentations connecting aviation and space medicine. Speakers include Stephen Alamo, who will provide an overview of European Space Agency (ESA) flight surgeons, Vladimir Ivković of Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, who will discuss physiological monitoring and human performance assessment in extreme environments, and Varsha Jain, whose presentation will focus on women’s health in space.

The second day will address a range of topics directly related to the everyday challenges of aviation. Particular attention will be given to fatigue, sleep disorders, cardiovascular health, and nutrition, alongside the operational and medical challenges associated with helicopter operations. Among the speakers is Marko Rakovac of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, who will discuss the challenges of helicopter rescue operations in Croatia. The programme will also include discussions on human factors in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), examining the subject from both pilot and medical personnel perspectives.

The final day, November 11, will focus on the health and professional challenges faced by flight crews and air traffic controllers. Topics will include Crew Resource Management (CRM), mental health, stress, and psychological resilience, while a separate part of the programme will examine hormonal changes and their impact on the medical fitness of aviation personnel. The inclusion of such subjects reflects the organisers’ broad approach to aviation medicine, extending beyond periodic medical examinations to encompass the long-term health and well-being of those working in aviation.

In addition to expert presentations, the programme will feature panel discussions and informal networking opportunities, encouraging open communication between medical professionals and the aviation personnel directly affected by their expertise and decisions. This approach was one of the central ideas behind the first forum and remains an important element of its second edition.

The second AvioMed Forum therefore continues to develop an initiative originating within Croatia’s aviation medical community, while extending well beyond national boundaries through its programme and international participation. In a field where human health is directly linked to flight safety, opportunities for meaningful exchanges of medical expertise and operational experience are particularly valuable.

Alongside Dr Martina Elez, the organising committee includes Dr Domagoj Slavić, Vlatka Pavlović, and Marinka Šimunović Gašpar. Participants can attend the full three-day programme, register for a single day, or participate online. The registration fee is €250 for the entire event, €80 for a single day, and €200 for online participation. Registrations are accepted at aviomedforum@optimamed.com.hr.