The NASA Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) 2021 abstract submission application is now open. The application deadline is March 15, 2021, and in order to guarantee a spot in the meeting, all attendees are required to submit an abstract. We highly encourage graduate students and postdocs to apply. The application and more details can be found at AbGradCon.org.

AbGradCon 2021, planned to be hosted at ELSI (Earth-Life Science Institute) in Tokyo, Japan from September 14 -17, 2021, is an annual conference that specifically provides a unique setting for astrobiologically inclined graduate students and early career researchers to come together to share their research, to collaborate, and to network. The annual AbGradCon conference has been wildly successful both when connected to AbSciCon, and as a stand-alone conference. Since it is organized and attended by only graduate students, postdocs, and selected undergraduates, AbGradCon is an ideal venue for the next generation of astrobiologists to form bonds, share ideas, and discuss the issues that will shape the future of the field. 

AbGradCon 2021 marks the 17th year of this conference—each time in a different place and organized by a different group of students, but always with the original charter as a guide. This year is the first time AbGradCon will be held in Asia, and the conference’s main theme will be international collaboration. The conference expects to have representation from all regions of the world, but especially from Asia and Oceania. The 2021 edition will also include career development events such as a science communication workshop, a career panel, keynote speakers by leaders in the field, and tours of various related research centers around the Tokyo area.

Unfortunately, the in-person 2020 meeting was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we hope to be able to safely hold the 2021 edition. In case an in-person meeting is still not possible by the conference dates, we are also actively discussing digital event possibilities. 

Sincerely,

The AbGradCon Organizing 2021 Team