The European Astrobiology Institute – a sustainable structure launched by a COST Action and other European initiatives

Abstract

<p>The global research landscape is rapidly changing. Boundaries between disciplines are disappearing and new cross-disciplinary fields emerging. Astrobiology is one of them. Fundamental questions in science  addressed by astrobiology such as “How and when did life emerge on Earth?”, “How did our Solar System and life evolve” and “Is there life on other celestial bodies” will not be answered by one discipline alone but require a concerted and coordinated approach involving many researchers drawn from many disparate scientific backgrounds Such research  requires interaction and exchange of ideas and new results between scientists from many countries and fields, something that only larger research communities like the European Research Area can accomplish. The European AstroMap roadmap unequivocally recommended the creation of a pan-European platform for research, training outreach, and dissemination in Astrobiology. The European Astrobiology Institute (EAI) aims to function as such an entity. Such an institute is required to keep Europe’s leading position in this interdisciplinary field and will also sustain the momentum gained by two recent initiatives, the COST Action “Origins and Evolution of Life in the Universe” and the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership “European Astrobiology Campus”, which were both highlighted as success stories by the European Union.</p><p>The EAI was founded by a consortium of European research entities. So far, five large research organisations and more than 20 universities and research centres have joined. EAI will closely collaborate with several related European organizations including ESA, EANA, Europlanet, etc., but as a network of institutions it will fundamentally differ from existing bodies. The EAI has the following aims:</p><ul><li>Perform ground-breaking research on key scientific questions in astrobiology</li> <li>Disseminate high-quality results of these efforts effectively</li> <li>Provide interdisciplinary training for students and early career scientists</li> <li>Engage in education on astrobiology on all levelsLiaise with industry to foster collaborations on technological developments</li> <li>Coordinate outreach and public engagement activities of European astrobiologists</li> <li>Act as advisory body and provide high-quality expertise to European research organisations and decision makers</li> <li>Ensure the necessary financial means to carry out these activities through a coordinated approach to European funding agencies</li> </ul><p>The European Astrobiology Institute consists of institutions, but individuals can join its current Working Groups:</p><ul><li>Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems and Detection of Habitable Worlds </li> <li>The Pathway to Complexity: From Simple Molecules to First Life</li> <li>Planetary Environments and Habitability</li> <li>Evolution and Traces of Early Life and Life under Extreme Conditions</li> <li>Biosignatures and the Detection of Life beyond Earth</li> <li>Historical, Philosophical, Societal and Ethical Issues in Astrobiology Activity Working Groups</li> </ul><p>There are also working groups on Policy and Funding, Training, Field Work, Education, Infrastructures, Outreach, Media and Corporate Identity<strong>, </strong>Dissemination and Industrial Liaison.</p><p>The first EAI General Assembly was held in Liblice (CZ) in May 2019. This year, a multitude of activities, including the first Biennial European Astrobiology Conference and two summer schools are planned. Here we present the aims of EAI, its future plans as well as the benefits of membership of the institute and suggest possible co-operations with the EGU and other European entities.</p><p> </p>