As humanity’s exploration of space accelerates, the discovery of potentially habitable environments within our Solar System and beyond presents profound opportunities for multidisciplinary research. Mars, the icy moons of the outer planets, and terrestrial planets in the habitable zone, potentially offer conditions such as liquid water, chemical energy, and bio-essential elements that may support life. Meanwhile, initiatives like NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars. The confluence of these advancements in astrobiology with commitments to expanding human presence in space makes this an ideal time to bring academics and industry experts together.

The 13th ELSI International Symposium on ‘Life and Humans in Space’ is designed to address these pressing challenges by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, social sciences, sociology, literature, and design aesthetics. The symposium will provide a platform for exploring space exploration’s scientific, technological, and societal implications, with a particular emphasis on the search for extraterrestrial life and the future of human activities in space. The Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), with its exceptionally interdisciplinary research approach, has the potential to lead in solving these complex challenges. By integrating diverse perspectives, the conference aims to contribute to a holistic understanding of life in space and envision humanity’s role in these new frontiers.

Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 January 2025

Location: X-NIHONBASHI TOWER, Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan

Website: https://sympo13.elsi.jp/

Registration: https://forms.gle/NY1P5Kc37YwpWPXm6 (deadline 30 November 2024 extended to 10 December 2024)