2014 Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) Accepting Abstracts

Abstracts are currently being accepted for for AbGradCon 2014! This is the 10th annual Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon), an interdisciplinary conference encompassing all fields of astrobiological research. Previous attendees have come from fields as diverse as astronomers, biologists, chemists, educators, engineers, geologists, planetary scientists, and social scientists and is a great opportunity to not only interact with scientists doing similar research, but to become exposed to the diverse research in this field. This conference is organized by and for graduate students and early-career scientists (within two years of graduation) and will be held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on July 27 – 31, 2014. In order to promote interaction amongst early career astrobiologists we strive to provide the majority of funding to U.S. based attendees (and try to support international attendees as much as possible) and give a priority to applicants who have not previously attended an AbGradCon. Graduate students and early-career scientists whose research addresses a topic relevant to astrobiology are encouraged to visit the website for information on the abstract application, funding for US-affiliated participants and more: http://abgradcon.org. Also, find us on Facebook or on saganet.org. Abstracts are due by March 31, 2014. AbGradCon attendees are also invited to apply for this year's Research Focus Group, to be held prior to AbGradCon (July 25th - 27th). It's a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in grant-funded science (undergrads, grad students, and post-docs -- one and all!). Participants will be grouped with 3 to 4 other Astrobiologists of diverse backgrounds who will work together over the course of RFG to write and present a mission proposal. Participants will then panel-review other proposals, and the winners will be featured in the NAI newsletter. RFG will be located at RPI’s Darrin Freshwater Institute (DFWI) on Lake George in New York, with meals, lodging, and transportation to and from DFWI provided for all RFG participants.