"Astronomers are now able to detect planets orbiting stars other than the Sun where life may exist, and living generations could see the signatures of extra-terrestrial life being detected. Should it turn out that we are not alone in the Universe, it will fundamentally affect how humanity understands itself - and we need to be prepared for the consequences."
Martin Dominik and John C. Zarnecki
Laura's programme and abstract booklet
The detection of extra-terrestrial life and the consequences for science and society discussion meeting was organised by Dr Martin Dominik and Professor John Zarnecki.
Dr Christopher P McKay's (NASA) talk 'Search for life in the solar system.'
Howard looking forward to McKay's talk.
Professor Colin Pillinger's talk - 'The chemical methods for searching evidence for extraterrestrial life.'
Professor Ivan Almar answering questions after his talk 'Discovery of extraterrestrial life: assessment by scales of its imporance and associated risks' with chair Lord Martin Rees.
Professor Charles S Cockell (Open University) answering questions after his talk 'Life in the lithosphere and the prospects for life elsewhere'.
The proceedings of this meeting can be accessed in in a dedicated issue of Philosophical Transactions A.