Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP)

International Partners

Astrobiology is inherently a global endeavor. Addressing its research objectives requires international collaboration to provide, among other resources, full access to critical field sites and facilities, interdisciplinary scientific expertise, and unique mission data. The NASA Astrobiology Institute has, therefore, developed a partnership program with other international astrobiology organizations to provide collaborative opportunities for its researchers within the global science community. Non-U.S. astrobiology organizations can propose to become either Associate or Affiliate Members of the NAI. Associate Membership entails a formal agreement between NASA and the foreign government. International organizations that do not elect to pursue formal government-to-government agreements would be considered Affiliate Members.

International partner membership requires long-term commitment from both the partner and the NAI, together with tangible and specific plans for scientific interaction that will produce results of mutual benefit to both the NAI and the international partner. Although the focus of this program is research in astrobiology, it also includes collaborative activities that address any of the objectives defined in the NAI’s Mission Statement, particularly space flight mission support and training of the next generation of astrobiologists.

International partners are invited to participate in all aspects of the Institute’s activities and programs, including the NAI General Meeting, topical workshops, NAI Focus Groups, the NAI Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, NAI Executive Council Meetings, as well as student travel/support programs. Through these and other activities, NAI researchers and international partners participate in the exchange of ideas, information, and data arising from their respective research efforts, and contribute to the training of young astrobiologists.

The conditions and expectations described above apply to both Affiliate and Associate Membership. However, due to the government-to-government nature of Associate Membership, such agreements will be required to demonstrate a higher level of specificity and productivity in the planned collaborations, the sources of support for those activities, as well as the expected benefit to both the NAI and the international partner.

How to Apply to the International Partners Program

Proposers to the NAI International Partners Program are requested to describe:

• the organizational nature of the proposing group (e.g., academic, government agency, private, non-profit);
• the themes of the scientific work currently being undertaken, together with plans for interacting with the NAI community in ways that will advance the goals of the NAI while providing mutual benefit to the international partner; and
• the specific areas where productive near-term exchanges/partnerships are anticipated, and areas for longer-term cultivation of interactions.

In reviewing international proposals, the NAI will consider:

• the relevance of the scientific work being undertaken to the Astrobiology Roadmap and its synergy with the NAI
• the nature of funding/endorsement from proposal sponsors
• the strength and level of government endorsement (Associate Membership)
• the specific areas where productive near-term exchanges/partnerships are anticipated, and areas for longer-term cultivation of interactions
• any other issues that the NAI deems relevant

For additional information about the NAI’s International Partners Program contact: Edward M. Goolish, NAI Deputy Director, at edward.m.goolish@nasa.gov