Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP)

Executive Council

The PIs, together with the NAI Director and Deputy Director, comprise the Executive Council of the NAI during the period of performance of their awards. The NAI Director chairs the EC and acts as its Presiding Officer. The Executive Council is charged with the following specific roles:

1. raise, discuss, and provide insight into issues such as Institute-wide research objectives, astrobiology mission opportunities, and priorities for technology development;
2. consider and analyze proposals to form NAI Focus Groups and other similar bodies;
3. consider and comment on proposals for external partnerships (e.g., international, interagency, or corporate);
4. comment on the conduct of the Institute and discuss possible metrics and evaluative approaches aimed at assessing the progress of the NAI; and
5. consider and provide perspective on other astrobiology issues at the request of the Director.

In addition to the roles enumerated above, the EC may undertake additional activities or interactions that the members consider to be within the scope of the NAI, germane to the goals of the Institute and the interests of the astrobiology science community, and/or important to NASA. Such additional activities must be endorsed by the NAI Director.