What are Focus
Groups?
Focus
Groups are research and planning teams formed around topics relevant
to specific NASA Astrobiology Institute*
(NAI)
goals. Established based on proposals submitted to the NAI, Focus Groups
contribute to astrobiology space missions and extend long-distance collaborations
through the innovative use of electronic networking, advanced telecommunications,
virtual conferencing and webcasting.
What are the NAI
goals?
The Focus
Groups' activities address several goals outlined in the Astrobiology
Roadmap:
- Linking
Planetary & Biological Evolution
- Past
and Present Life on Mars
- Bringing
Life with Us Beyond Earth
- Planetary
Protection
- Extremes
of Life
- Life's
Precursors & Habitats in the Outer Solar System
- Effects
of Climate & Geology on Habitability
The search
for extraterrestrial life means pushing the technological envelope.
NASA has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and
in the sphere of astrobiology, these Focus Groups are helping to maintain
that tradition.
How is ASU involved?
Currently,
ASU is hosting two NAI Focus Groups:
The following
pages provide an archive for all non-proprietary materials presented
during Focus Group virtual conferences (via video conferencing and live
webcasts) as well as summaries of video conference discussions. All
are invited to review these materials and to participate in our discussions,
either through attendance in virtual conferencing or via email. Please
direct your comments to the appropriate Focus Group Chair.
*
NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) is a "virtual collaboratory"
distributed across the United States and select international institutions.
The institute represents a partnership between NASA, universities, and
research organizations to promote conduct, and lead integrated multidisciplinary
research, to train young scientists, and to provide public access to
the adventure of studying the living universe.
