European Astrobiology Institute (EAI)

The European Astrobiology Institute (EAI) follows the Cost Action ORIGINS.

Cost Action ORIGINS

An EU COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action is one of the longest-running European frameworks supporting cooperation among scientists and researchers across Europe. The mane ORIGINS stands for Origins and Evolution of Life on Earth and in the Universe. It was coordinated by Muriel Gargaud (France).

The vision was to answer questions such as where, when and how did life appear on Earth? Has life developed elsewhere in the Universe? And the main objectives were (1) to build a large-scale platform for scientific and technological exchange, (2) to have regular meetings and STSMs (Short-Term Scientific Mission) (prompt exchange of knowledge), (3) to plan upcoming European space missions and design mission proposals, (4) to train the next generation of astrobiologists (STSMs and summer schools), (5) to deal with philosophical issues in astrobiology at a European level, and (6) to have a starting point to apply for joint project-based funding, at the European level.

It has ended to the creation of a European Astrobiology Institute.

European Astrobiology Institute

The European Astrobiology Institute (EAI) will be a consortium of European research and higher education institutions and organisations as well as other stakeholders aiming to carry out research, training, outreach and dissemination activities in astrobiology in a comprehensive and coordinated manner and thereby securing a leading role for the European Research Area in the field. For more information see here.