Are we alone in the Universe? Ask a NASA astrobiologist!

Event Overview

In 2025, we mark a decade of astrobiology in Aotearoa New Zealand—a field of science that asks the biggest questions of all:

How did life begin?
Are we alone in the Universe?
What is our future beyond Earth?

We also mark 150 years of US-NZ scientific partnership. What better way to honour these two milestones than with a public talk by three eminent NASA astrobiologists and science communicators!

Join Dr Sanjoy Som, Dr Graham Lau, and Sarah Marcotte as they tell us about exciting current developments in astrobiology, plus get a chance to ask YOUR burning questions about life, aliens and the Solar System.

Guest Speakers

🔹 Dr Graham Lau – “The Cosmobiologist”

Dr. Graham Lau, “the Cosmobiologist,” is an astrobiologist, science communicator, and host of NASA’s Ask an Astrobiologist. As Director of Communications at Blue Marble Space, he blends research, outreach, and education, inspiring global audiences. His Arctic geomicrobiology work informs life-detection strategies for Mars, Europa, and beyond.

🔹 Dr Sanjoy Som

Dr. Sanjoy Som, planetary scientist and founder of the Blue Marble Science Institute of Science, studies planetary environments from early Earth to Mars. His work combines geochemistry, field expeditions, and science communication, fostering global partnerships in astrobiology while inspiring public engagement with the science of planetary habitability.

🔹 Sarah Marcotte

Sarah Marcotte is NASA STEM Engagement Network lead at JPL, managing the Solar System Ambassadors Program. A specialist in Mars and planetary mission outreach, she makes complex space science engaging for public audiences through events, media, and educational programs.

Proudly Presented By

New Zealand Astrobiology Network (NZAN)

Victoria University of Wellington

SpacewardBound New Zealand

With generous support from the US Embassy in New Zealand

🎟️ Reserve your seat now and be part of the conversation about life in the Universe!

Contact the host of Ask an Astrobiologist