Budapest meeting: Missions to Habitable Worlds

The website of the Budapest meeting for this October is released, containing important information on logistics and preliminary program (http://life-origins2015.csfk.mta.hu). 

The meeting will consist of three parts:

• CG meeting (Core Group members, and WG co-leaders): two days before the conference, on 26 afternoon (arriving round noon) and 27 October full day
• Conference (for anybody of the astrobiology community, see the reimbursement rules below): 28-29 October (full days)
• WG5 white paper writing meeting: 30 October half day (any COST member, please note active contribution from participants is expected in the meeting, tasks will be discussed before the meeting to let time for the participants to prepare).

SCIENTIFIC CONTENT:

The aim of the two days long conference (28-29 October) is to provide forum for trans domain interaction in astrobiology connected to next missions - thus the organizers expect contribution from biologists, chemists, Earth scientists, astronomers, philosophers etc. On the first day mission PIs will present the astrobiology relevant aspects of ExoMars, JUICE, and next space telescope missions.

On the second day a "Trans-domain view of habitability" session will take place, where biologist, chemist, Earth scientist and astronomer will present how they see the term habitability. A panel discussion will follow on he habitability issue - here contribution, suggestions from anybody is welcomed.

A second panel discussion on the future of astrobiology in Europe, especially our possible role with EAI (European Astrobiology Institute) will take place on the afternoon of the second day.

SCIENTIFIC OUTPUT:

Before the meeting we will open the online possibility to contribute with ideas and suggestions for both the trans-domain view of habitability (preparing the panel discussion), and also on the European Astrobiology Institute initiative. The two panel discussions on the second day will provide forum to present ideas, and at the end of the first day, there will be possibility to discuss with the mission PIs.

SOCIAL PROGRAMS:

The meeting will take place at the centre of Budapest, at the riverside of the Duna, next to the famous Chain bridge opposite to the Castle Hill on the other side of the river - during the visit of the conference you can enjoy the historical part of Budapest by easy walk. A traditional Hungarian conference dinner will be held on the 28 evening, and an optional joint SPA visit (thermal bath) including a dinner after it is scheduled on the 27 evening (note, this is on the night right before the conference, at the end of the CG meeting). After the conference (29 evening) a ruin-pub visit for dinner is scheduled. In case of interest, on the 30 a guided tour of Budapest will be also available. All of these events including lunches will to be covered by 100 EUR.

WEBSITE:

Please have a look at the website: http://life-origins2015.csfk.mta.hu, and note that the online registration system will be ready next week.

REIMBURSEMENT RULES:

Taking into account the money allocated for this conference we won’t be able to reimburse all participants. So, in agreement with COST rules, the Management Committee has voted the following reimbursement rules to be applied to : CG members, WG co-leaders , invited (21) and contributed (8) speakers + 6 WG members (to be selected by the SOC after the application call of May 25th; see DL here below) . For these participants:

• Accommodation and meal will be  reimbursed using a flat rate of 70 €/night and 20 €/meal.
• Distant travel, selected at the best price of the market, will be reimbursed based on the actual costs but with a max cap of 250€ for European flights, and 500€ for non European ones (US). Exceptionally, the Grant Holder will derogate this cap in case the request is done in a reasonable time following the sending of the official e-COST invitation to the meeting and if the request is supported by proof that no lower cost travelling is available.
• Financial support application

Participants requiring a financial support from COST are invited to send an application letter to the chair of the conference Akos Kereszturi and the chair of the action Muriel Gargaud, explaining in one page maximum why it’s important for them to attend the conference and why a financial support is essential.

Dead lines:

• May 28. - Opening of registration, contributed abstract submission and financial support application 
• June 15. - Contributed abstract submission and financial support application deadlines 
• June 30. - Selection of contributed communications and supported WG members.
• September 15th. - Registration deadline.