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Nordic Network of Astrobiology events

Published on the 01 Mar 2013

Conference: "Isotopes as diagnostic tools in astronomy, geology and biology"
Höör, Sweden 11-14 June 2013
The third meeting of the Nordic Network of Astrobiology will be devoted to the subject "Isotopes as diagnostic tools in astronomy, geology and biology". Isotope ratios are used in many fields of astrobiology,to determine the origin and synthesis pathways of interstellar molecules, to date early geological formation, to assess paleoclimates and, last but not least, to detect life on early Earth. The conference aims to bring researchers from different fields using isotopes together to exchange the newest developments in this field and to develop ideas for further research. The following themes will be, amongst others, covered by the symposium:
  • Isotope ratios in the interstellar medium
  • Isotopes in stars
  • Isotopes and the early solar system
  • Isotopes in meteorites
  • Isotopes in dating of geological formations
  • Isotope ratios as indications of catastrophic events in Earth's history
  • Identification of metabolisms in sediments by using stable isotopes
  • Effects of stable isotopes on biological systems
  • Stable Isotope ratios as biomarkers on Mars and other habitable planets and satellites
  • Isotopes in the search for life on the early Earth
  • Isotopes in ice cores as indications in past and present climates
The conference will take place at Åkersberg Herrgård in Höör, Skåne in Southern Sweden. The venue is only a 400m walk from Höör railway station, from where there are frequent direct connections to Copenhagen Airport. The meeting is open to interested scientists all over the world. We from the Nordic Network of Astrobiology are looking forward to welcoming you at the conference.

 

Deadline for registration, accommodation booking and abstract submission: 15 April 2013
 
For further information check the website of the event: http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Isotopes2013/


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Summer course: "Impacts and their Role in the Evolution of Life"
The course "Impacts and their Role in the Evolution of Life" will take place from 16 to 25 August 2013 at Kuressaare and the Kaali impact crater site on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia. The following subjects will be covered:
  • Roles of impacts in the formation of habitable planets
  • Physical and chemical properties of comets and meteorites
  • Detection and investigation of impact craters by geological methods and remote sensing from space
  • Ecological consequences of impacts and the role of impacts in mass extinctions
  • Transfer of life through meteorite impacts
  • Threat to life on our planet by near-Earth asteroids and comets

 

The lecture programme will be complemented by practical exercises concerning:
  • Electromagnetic mapping of impact sites
  • Analysis of pollen indicators of the Kaali impact event.
  • Microscopy of impactites
  • Georadar profiling at Kaali
Participants will also have the possibility to display their own research results in two poster sessions. Furthermore, excursions to geologically interesting sites like the Panga cliffs are planned.
The course is aimed for graduate (masters and Ph. D.) students and early career scientists (up to 5 years after their first Ph. D. in a related field) in fields relevant to astrochemistry and astrobiology. It is open to applicants from all nationalities. Detailed information about the summer school and the application procedure (deadline 30 April 2013) can be found at the website of the course:
http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Impacts2013/
Successful applicants accepted by the organisers will receive meals and excursions, but will have to organise financial means for their travel to and from Kuressaare and their lodging themselves.
See you in Saaremaa in August !
 
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Summer course "Molecules in Space", Onsala Space Observatory, 25 June - 2 July 2013

 

The summer course "Molecules in space", which will be held at Onsala Space Observatory , Sweden from 25 June to 2 July 2013, aims to give participants a thorough introduction into the role of molecules in many astronomical environments such as

 

  • the early universe
  • star-forming regions and protoplanetary disks
  • atmospheres of plants and their satellites
  • cometary comae
  • the early universe
  • circumstellar envelopes
  • the early universe
  • supernova remnants

 

The event will be organised by the Nordic Network of Astrobiology. Observations at the 20m telescope at Onsala and exercises will complement the lecture programme. The programme of the summer school comprises:

 

  • lectures by internationally leading scientists covering a broad range of subjects in astrochemistry
  • observations of a small, cold molecular cloud using the 20m telescope at Onsala Space Observatory to determine its mass and whether it is going to collapse forming a star
  • state-of-the art model calculations of the chemistry of dark clouds and ice surfaces
  • usage of observations to determine physical parameters in astronomical object
  • a poster sessions for the participating students and early career scientists

 

The event is aimed for Ph. D. students and early career scientists (up to 5 years after their first Ph. D. in a related field) in fields relevant to astrochemistry and astrobiology. The event is open to applicants from all nationalities. Detailed information about the summer school and the application procedure (deadline 2 April 2013) can be found at the website of the course:

 

http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Onsala2013/

 

Successful applicants accepted by the organisers will receive free lodging, meals and excursions, but will have to organise financial means for their travel to and from Onsala themselves. Course credit awards (3 ECTS points) for Ph. D. students will be applied for by the course organisers.

 

Welcome to Onsala !


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First International Workshop on Education in Astrobiology

Höör, Sweden, 6 - 9 June 2013
The First International Workshop on Education in Astrobiology will take place in Höör, Sweden from 6 - 9 June 2013, The meeting aims to bring together scientists and teachers engaged in astrobiology education on universities and other training institutions to

• discuss new teaching and assessment forms in astrobiology
• foster international cooperation in astrobiology teaching
• give the attendants a thorough overview of the field
Training students in such a multidisciplinary subject implies a lot of challenges and pitfalls, both in the set-up and organization of the course, choice of lecturers and literature, grading of students as well as the necessity of new teaching methods. The conference will not only serve as forum for exchange of ideas and experiences, but also as a starting point for a long-term international collaboration in astrobiology teaching.
The meeting venue is held at the very pleasant Åkersberg Stiftsgård which is only a 50 min direct train ride from Copenhagen International Airport. For further information about the event check its website:
http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/IWEA/