What is UCLA ABS?

We are a student organization that utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to explore issues associated with AstroBiology. While themes are largely scientific, we also integrate other disciplines (i.e. philosophy, theology, arts and humanities) to consider questions from a variety of perspectives. The participation of ALL majors is strongly encouraged!

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Through this Society, we aim to:

Present the studies and goals of AstroBiology to science and non-science majors in an integrated fashion that is both interesting and applicable to all fields;

Expand the perspectives of future scientists to encompass much more than their own areas of expertise;

Encourage appreciation for how disciplines are related and demonstrate the importance of interaction / communication between them.

What is AstroBiology?

(an excerpt from NASA's Astrobiology Roadmap)

AstroBiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and destiny of life in the universe. It utilizes both space technologies and biological research to address some of the most profound questions of humankind:

How does life begin and evolve?
Does life exist elsewhere in the universe?
What is life's future on Earth and beyond?

It is a young field that represents an integration of disciplines -- from astronomy to zoology, from ecology to molecular biology, from geology to genomics. Scientists from these disciplines work toward a common goal through AstroBiology -- that is, to discover the thread of life in the universe.

Introducing Our Sponsors

The UCLA AstroBiology Society is officially sponsored by both CSEOL (Center for the Study of Evolution and Origin of Life) and NASA's AstroBiology Institute at UCLA.

CSEOL

Formally organized under the auspices of the University of California-wide Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, CSEOL is lively, interactive and intellectually stimulating. The Center is both scholarly and rigorous, yet innovative and imaginative. CSEOL is what a university should be: a commingling of developing and established scholars drawn from different disciplines and diverse academic backgrounds, united by their common interests, and their dedication to learning. (CSEOL Brochure)

NASA's Astrobiology Institute at UCLA (Center for AstroBiology)

With 11 lead members, the NASA AstroBiology Institute represents a partnership between NASA and a number of academic or other research organizations to promote, conduct, and lead integrated multidisciplinary astrobiology research and train young researchers. The Institute at UCLA undertakes multidisciplinary research on the paleomicrobiology of Earth's early life, the metabolic evolution of early ecosystems, and the development of instruments aimed at detecting life in the galaxy and the solar system. (Institute Proposal)

We thank our sponsors for their
interactive support and encouragement!