EAI Summer School in Iceland: Biosignatures and the Search For Life on Mars (and other planets)

18 to 26 June, 2026

The school aims to cover the subject of the search for life in different environments, both on early Earth, below Earth’s surface and on Mars. It will bring together students and researchers from a multitude of different fields. It is co-organised by the European Astrobiology Institute,  the University of Akureyri and Stockholm University. Field studies on the colonisation of lava fields and Mars analogue landscapes will complement the lectures. The programme of the summer school comprises:

  • lectures by internationally leading scientists covering a broad range of subjects in astrobiology
  • investigation of colonisation Mars analogue landscapes with in situ life detection techniques
  • excursions to geologically and astrobiologically interesting sites (lava caves, new lava fields):
    • Námaskarð geothermal area
    • Krafla volcanic area
    • the Mars analogue landscapes in Northern Iceland
    • the Myvatn area with the Skútustaðir pseudocraters and the Hverfjall cinder cone
  • a poster sessions for students and early career scientists
  • participant-led discussions

A multitude of highly merited researchers have agreed to teach at the course (see the Programme page for details. The deadline for application is 15 April 2026 23:59:00 UTC.

The school is open for students amd scientists from all countries. For further information please click here.

See you in Iceland in June!

EAI Summer School in Iceland: Biosignatures and the Search For Life on Mars (and other planets)

18 to 26 July, 2026

The school aims to cover the subject of the search for life in different environments, both on early Earth, below Earth’s surface and on Mars. It will bring together students and researchers from a multitude of different fields. It is co-organised by the European Astrobiology Institute,  the University of Akureyri and Stockholm University. Field studies on the colonisation of lava fields and Mars analogue landscapes will complement the lectures. The programme of the summer school comprises:

  • lectures by internationally leading scientists covering a broad range of subjects in astrobiology
  • investigation of colonisation Mars analogue landscapes with in situ life detection techniques
  • excursions to geologically and astrobiologically interesting sites (lava caves, new lava fields):
    • Námaskarð geothermal area
    • Krafla volcanic area
    • the Mars analogue landscapes in Northern Iceland
    • the Myvatn area with the Skútustaðir pseudocraters and the Hverfjall cinder cone
  • a poster sessions for students and early career scientists
  • participant-led discussions

A multitude of highly merited researchers have agreed to teach at the course (see the Programme page for details. The deadline for application is 15 April 2026 23:59:00 UTC.

The school is open for students amd scientists from all countries. For further information please click here.

See you in Iceland in June!

AbGradE’25 Symposium in Lisbon (20th October): Registration deadline coming up!

Our signature event right before EANA 2025 (20th of October in Lisbon, Portugal) is just over 1 month away! That means that the deadline for registration is very soon, specifically this coming Sunday, 21st of September!

If you plan to attend, please remember to complete the registration form and pay the registration fee (20€) by midnight on Sunday (details are sent upon completion of the form).

We’ll soon be releasing the programme, which includes a special talk by ESA, so keep an eye on our event page.

We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Lisbon!

FALCON: Registration deadline soon!!!

Our co-organised FALCON event (26th to 29th of June on Iceland) is only 1 month away! That means that the deadline for registration is very soon, specifically 31st of May (next week)!

If you are planning to come, do not hesitate! Registration to our event can be done by the following link: FALCON registration form

The same deadline (31st of May) applies to the travel grant applications which are still OPEN. Grants are expected to be approximately €200 – 400 (final amount may vary). Our grants are not tied to EAI membership, so you are eligible to apply even if your University is not a member of the EAI. Please send your grant application of no more than 250 words as an attachment (PDF or Word document) to abgrade@eana-net.eu. Please title the email ‘FALCON Travel Grant’ and the attachment ‘Surname_Firstname_FALCON’.

Please include the following:
1. Funds available to you via your lab group/University
2. Your nationality/background
3. Distance you will travel to Iceland
4. Confirm whether you want to do a talk or poster (or neither, i.e. simply attending)

For more information please visit our event page https://abgrade.eu/falcon2025/ or send us a message via email at abgrade@eana-net.eu

We are looking forward to meeting you on Iceland!!!

“Impacts and their role in the origin and evolution of life” Conference (1-4 September 2025, Nördlingen, Germany)

We are pleased to share an exciting invitation to the conference, “Impacts and their role in the origin and evolution of life” which will be held from 1 to 4 September 2025 in the picturesque medieval city of Nördlingen, located within the world-famous Ries crater in southern Germany.

The conference will focus on the role of meteorite and comet impacts in the formation of Earth, its atmosphere, and the evolution of life. The event will feature lectures, discussions, and excursions, allowing participants to present their research during poster sessions.

Conference topics include:

  • Impacts and the early history of the Solar System
  • Impact structures as indicators of target properties
  • Role of impacts in the delivery and formation of the building blocks for life
  • Impact-generated habitats for life
  • Environmental effects of impacts
  • Impacts as threats to life and humankind
  • Geoconservation, education, and outreach related to impacts

There will be two exciting excursions:

  • A one-day excursion around the Ries crater on 4 September
  • A half-day excursion to the Steinheim crater on 2 September, including its famous central uplift feature

Additionally, the conference will offer time for contributed talks, with a special focus on young scientists.

Important Dates:

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025
  • Registration Deadline: 30 June 2025

For full details and to register, please visit the official website

Update on FALCON: Frontiers in Astrobiology & Origins of Life Conference

Our co-organised FALCON event (26th to 29th of June on Iceland) is only 3 months away!

Registration to our event can be done by the following link until May 31st: FALCON registration form

We want to remind you that the abstract submission deadline of March 31st is approaching soon. For more information, refer to this link: FALCON website

Travel grant applications are now open. Grants are expected to be approximately €200 – 400 (final amount may vary). Our grants are not tied to EAI membership, so you are eligible to apply even if your University is not a member of the EAI. Please send your grant application of no more than 250 words as an attachment (PDF or Word document) to abgrade@eana-net.eu. Please title the email ‘FALCON Travel Grant’ and the attachment ‘Surname_Firstname_FALCON’.

Please include the following:
1. Funds available to you via your lab group/University
2. Your nationality/background
3. Distance you will travel to Iceland
4. Confirm whether you want to do a talk or poster (or neither, i.e. simply attending)

    The deadline for travel grants is May 31st, the same day as our registration deadline. However, we will award grants on a rolling basis from next week.

    Furthermore, event organised accommodation booking deadline has been extended to April 15th, and managed through the BEACON registration platform at the following link, which is also used for the processing of all associated payments of our event: Accomodation registration (through BEACON)

    We want to remind you that on those premises, accommodation will likely still be possible for the same dates but at different rates.

    For more information please visit our event page https://abgrade.eu/falcon2025/ or send us a message via email at abgrade@eana-net.eu

    We are looking forward to meeting you on Iceland!!!

    Summer School “Traces of Early Life” (3-13 June 2025 in Stirling, Scotland)

    Are you passionate about the origins of life and the search for extraterrestrial life? Join the European Astrobiology Institute’s “Traces of Early Life” Summer School, held from 3rd to 13th June 2025, at the picturesque Stirling University in Scotland. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Loch Ness, Ullapool, and Durness, this unique programme offers an immersive opportunity to explore the evolution of early Earth, the origins of life, and cutting-edge methods for detecting ancient lifeforms. Engage with world-leading researchers through lectures, hands-on practical exercises, and a 5-day field excursion to geologically fascinating sites.

    The school will include

    • 4 days of lectures
    • excursion to stromatolite sites and other geologically interesting locations a the stunningly beautiful North Coast of Scotland
    • practical exercises
    • poster sessions

    Whether you’re a graduate student, early-career scientist, or senior researcher, this summer school provides an exciting platform to expand your knowledge and network with experts in the field. Apply now for an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful regions!

    See details >>here<<

    Application deadline is 1st of March 2025!

    Registrations now open for FALCON: Frontiers in Astrobiology and Origins of Life Conference in Reykjavik (Iceland) 

    Registrations are now open for our very first event in collaboration with the Origin of Life Early-career Network (OoLEN):
    FALCON: Frontiers in Astrobiology and Origins of Life Conference

    WhatFALCON: Frontiers in Astrobiology and Origins of Life Conference
    WhereUniversity of Iceland (Askja building), Reykjavík, Iceland
    When: June 26th to 29th, 2025 (before the BEACON conference, which will be held July 1st to 5th) 

    Aimed at early-careers in the fields of astrobiology and origin of life sciences, we will have two full symposium days, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and a day trip in Iceland’s nature!

    Click here to register, and check out the event’s page for more info and updates.

    🇮🇸We look forward to seeing you soon!🇮🇸

    Third IAGC International Conference on Water-Rock Interaction & Applied Isotope Geochemistry (16-21 June 2025)

    📅 When: 16-21 June 2025
    📍 Where: Cagliari, Sardinia
    ❗ Registration Deadline: 31 December 2024

    Get ready for an exciting gathering of global experts and researchers at the Third IAGC International Conference on Water-Rock Interaction (WRI-18) and Applied Isotope Geochemistry (AIG-15). It’s a chance to explore the latest breakthroughs, share ideas, and connect with a worldwide community.

    Why attend?
    🔹 Network with experts — Build connections and spark collaborations.
    🔹 Showcase research — Present your work and explore opportunities for publication.
    🔹 Experience Sardinia — A stunning backdrop of beaches, mountains, and rich cultural heritage.

    While you’re there, take time to soak in Sardinia’s natural beauty, explore its ancient ruins, and experience its vibrant local traditions.

    Check out the event details >>here<< and register online!

    Spring School “The birth of Solar Systems” – registration deadline approaching

    The deadline for the registration to the Spring School “The birth of Solar Systems” organised by the European Astrobiology Institute and the COST Action ”The Birth of Solar Systems” (CA22133) in in 2 days (November 30th)!


    As a reminder, the school will be held in Bertinoro (Italy)  25 February – 6 March 2025

    The event is aimed for graduate (masters and PhD) students and early career scientists. Senior scientists and citizen scientists are also eligible but have lower priority. The event is open to applicants from all nationalities.

    Bursaries are available for researchers and students from almost all European countries (See a list at: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22133/#tabs+Name:Management%20Committee).

    TPlease find all the information about the spring school at the website: https://europeanastrobiology.eu/the-birth-of-solar-planets-summer-school-homepage/