Abstract: The advent of JWST observations enables a new level of characterisation of the environments of terrestrial planets – both in their formation epoch and late evolutionary stages. In this talk I will first focus on how improved characterisation of planet-forming disks links to the formation conditions of the terrestrial planets of our own Solar System, and in particular how high-entropy states during accretion shape the distribution of atmospheric volatiles between different chemical phases (such as core, mantle and atmosphere) of forming planets. Second, I will then describe the current efforts to characterise the composition and find potential signs of secondary atmospheres on ultra-short period lava exoplanets. While seemingly disconnected at first glance, lava exoplanets and accreting terrestrial planets share common physical characteristics, from which we can fill in gaps in this poorly understood epoch of terrestrial planet evolution.

Abstract: Today, thousands of planets are known to orbit stars other than the Sun. We can measure their sizes and orbital periods, infer their masses and temperatures, and constrain their compositions. Based on these data, about 1% of extrasolar planets are potentially habitable for life as we know it, implying that of the billions of planets in our Galaxy, some may actually be inhabited, at least by microbes. However, recognizing signs of alien life forms is a major challenge for current technology, because of the wide range of conditions on extrasolar planets, and because of the wide range of forms that life may take. This talk reviews observations of exoplanets and discusses astrobiological definitions of habitability and the likelihood of finding life beyond the Earth, both within and outside our Solar system.

Abstract: The discovery and understanding of exoplanets have experienced transformative advances thanks to space observatories. The European Space Agency plays a major role in this area, with several space missions dedicated to the study of exoplanets and general-purpose observatories making significant contributions to this field. Currently, the Gaia, HST, JWST, and CHEOPS missions are operational, while PLATO, Ariel, and the Roman Space Telescope are in development and scheduled for launch within the next five years. In this talk I will explain the techniques used by these exoplanet space missions, discuss some of their exciting discoveries, and highlight the key questions that upcoming missions will address.

Abstract: How did we get here? Are we alone in the universe? These questions are as old as humanity. As technology advances, we can increase our understanding of how life got started on Earth and how it could begin in other places. Astrochemistry as a field has grown immensely in recent years and, with the advent of ALMA in particular, has unveiled hundreds of molecular species which are able to form in space, including several prebiotic molecules. The first prebiotic molecule detected in space, formamide (NH2CHO) has been shown to be a precursor to amino acids in the conditions of early Earth. Despite over 20 years of study, formamide has no clear dominant formation reaction. In my talk, I will explain the astrobiological and astrochemical tools used to address the origin of life in general and speak about my own observational and theoretical work on understanding the formation of formamide in various environments.

Abstract: Astronomers are now regularly identifying planets outside our Solar System. However, it remains a mystery if such planets can host life. I will reveal how radio waves emitted from exoplanets can help us understand if life could exist around the most common stars in the Galaxy.

Abstract: In this talk, Exploration Scientist Dr Nicol Caplin will delve into the captivating world of astrobiology through the lens of human and robotic exploration at the European Space Agency (ESA). Beginning with an overview of legacy activities, the talk will also cover present day research aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where scientists explore the effects of microgravity on microbial life, paving the way for understanding extraterrestrial life forms, should they exist. Transitioning beyond Earth's orbit, details will be provided about plans to seize the opportunities in lunar orbit on the Gateway, a crucial outpost for future human exploration missions to the Moon and beyond. Through these diverse space platforms, ESA is at the forefront of astrobiology research, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and unlocking the secrets of life beyond our planet.