Application to the summer school "Water, Ice and the Origin of Life in the Universe" is now closed. We thank all (the almost 180)applicants for their interest. Please do not forget that the recommendation letters of the referees must be uploaded by them on 10 February at the latest. Later arriving referee letters may be disregarded.
The selection committee now will evaluate the applications. Applicants will be informed about the outcome in the first half of March.
The summer school “Water, ice and the Origin of Life in the Universe”, which will be held in Iceland from 2 to 15 July 2012, aims to give participants a thorough high-level introduction into the role of water in the evolution of life in the cosmos, starting from formation of water molecules in space and ending with evolution of the first organisms. It will bring together students and researchers from a multitude of different science branches, making it a truly multidisciplinary event. The event will be organised by the Nordic Astrobiology Network together with the NASA Astrobiology Institute. Field studies on the colonisation of lava fields and glaciers 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 of volcanic rocks and glaciers with in situ life detection techniques
excursions to geologically and biologically interesting sites (lava caves, new lava fields)
2 poster sessions for students and early career scientists
participants-led discussions about hot topics
The event is aimed for graduate students and early career scientists (up to 5 years after their first Ph. D. in a related field) in fields related to astrobiology. Undergraduate students can also apply, and can be accepted under exceptional circumstances. The event is open to applicants from all nationalities. Detailed information about the summer school and the application procedure (deadline 31 January 2012) can be found here. Successful applicants accepted by the Scientific Committee as participants will receive free lodging, meals and excursions, but will have to organise financial means for their travel to and from Iceland themselves. Course credit awards (ECTS points) for undergraduate and Ph. D. students will be applied for by the course organisers.