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Exo/Astrobiology in Europe
A Brack1, G Horneck, D Wynn-Williams
1Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS, rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans, France.
Summary
European scientists explore the chemical origins of life, expanding research into extreme environments and the search for extraterrestrial life (exobiology/astrobiology). This paper outlines Europe's background and proposes a European Network for Exo/Astrobiology.
Area of Science:
- Origins of Life research
- Exobiology
- Astrobiology
Background:
- European scientific heritage in chemical origins of life, citing Darwin, Pasteur, and Oparin.
- European scientists have organized 7 of 12 International Conferences on the Origins of Life since 1957.
- Research expanded to include extremophiles and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe the European scientific background in exobiology and astrobiology.
- Propose the establishment of a European Network of Exo/Astrobiology.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of European contributions to origins of life research.
- Analysis of the current European landscape in exobiology and astrobiology.
- Proposal for a collaborative European network.
Main Results:
- Significant European contributions to the origins of life field.
- Established European expertise in exobiology and astrobiology.
- A concrete project for a European Network of Exo/Astrobiology.
Conclusions:
- Europe possesses a strong scientific foundation in the origins of life and astrobiology.
- A European Network for Exo/Astrobiology is proposed to foster collaboration and advance research.
- This initiative aims to consolidate European efforts in understanding life's origins and its potential existence beyond Earth.
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