In 2025, Aotearoa New Zealand marks ten years of astrobiology — a field that dares to ask the biggest questions of all: How did life begin? Are we alone? What is our future in the Universe?
This year also celebrates 150 years of scientific partnership between the United States and New Zealand. To honour both milestones, we are thrilled to announce a special public colloquium:
Ask an Astrobiologist: A Colloquium with NASA and BMSIS
📅 Tuesday 30 September, 6:00–7:30pm
📍 Victoria University of Wellington, Pipitea Campus, RHLT1
This event brings to Wellington three inspiring voices from NASA and the international astrobiology community:
Dr Graham Lau – The Cosmobiologist
An astrobiologist, science communicator, and host of NASA’s popular Ask an Astrobiologist livestream. Graham blends research, outreach, and education in his role as Director of Communications at Blue Marble Space. His work on geomicrobiology in the Arctic helps shape strategies for detecting life on Mars, Europa, and beyond.
Dr Sanjoy Som
Planetary scientist and founder of the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Sanjoy’s research explores the environments of early Earth and Mars. His fieldwork, geochemical studies, and international collaborations highlight the conditions that make planets habitable — and the ways we might recognise life elsewhere.
Sarah Marcotte – Science Communicator Extraordinaire
As NASA JPL’s STEM Engagement Network Lead, Sarah manages the Solar System Ambassadors Program, empowering over a thousand volunteers to share space science with communities across the globe. A master of outreach and storytelling, she brings Mars missions and planetary exploration to life for public audiences.
Why Attend?
This colloquium is more than a lecture — it’s a conversation about life in the Universe. Guests will hear the latest insights from NASA scientists and communicators, and have the rare opportunity to ask their own burning questions about astrobiology, aliens, and our cosmic future.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, researcher, or simply curious about the stars, this evening promises to spark wonder and inspire fresh ways of thinking about our place in the cosmos.
Event Details
Ask an Astrobiologist: A Colloquium with NASA
📅 Tuesday 30 September, 6:00–7:30pm
📍 Victoria University of Wellington, Pipitea Campus, RHLT1
🎟️ Reserve your tickets on Humanitix
This event is proudly presented by the New Zealand Astrobiology Network with generous support from the US Embassy in New Zealand.
