Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life
(NoR CEL)
25-27 August 2020
How did it all begin?
University of St Andrews
Scotland
Background
To drill down to the core of the question of the emergence and evolution of Life requires a truly interdisciplinary approach, in addition to physics and chemistry we also need to deploy an array of other sciences. There is a reliance on astrobiology, however part of the answer may lay with scientists who are not necessarily involved in this field, for example, those working on medical virology, ecological studies, space exploration, palaeontology - as well as those coming from mathematical or philosophical perspectives. Once we have established some sort of clear and deeper understanding of how life emerged on Earth, we can focus our efforts to improve the possibility of detecting life elsewhere in the Universe. Currently, space-based telescopes and nanotechnologies for the exploration of the Universe are being developed and we should soon be able detect any biosignatures of life beyond our Solar System and even our Galaxy. The 5th NoR- CEL conference will continue to provide the opportunity to collectively pool knowledge via its diverse array of input, debate and interaction. The aim being to offer scientists a relaxed and unhurried environment, with the object of nurturing and energising them to seek answers to the ultimate questions of life, the Universe and everything.
Dr Sohan Jheet
Professor John Allen
Professor Nigel J Mason
Dr (Reader) Martin Dominik
Professor Elias Chatzitheodoridis