Summer school "Biosignature and the search for Life on Mars" Iceland 18 - 26 June 2026

The summer school "Biosignatures and the Search For Life on Mars", which will be held in Iceland from 18 to 26 July 2026, aims to cover the subject of the search for life in different environments, both on early Earth, below Earth's surface and on Mars. It will bring together students and researchers from a multitude of different fields. It is co-organised by the European Astrobiology Institute,  the University of Akureyri and Stockholm University. Field studies on the colonisation of lava fields and Mars analogue landscapes will complement the lectures. The programme of the summer school comprises:

• lectures by internationally leading scientists covering a broad range of subjects in astrobiology
• investigation of colonisation Mars analogue landscapes with in situ life detection techniques
• excursions to geologically and astrobiologically interesting sites (lava caves, new lava fields):
  • Námaskarð geothermal area
  • Krafla volcanic area
  • the Mars analogue landscapes in Northern Iceland
  • the Myvatn area with the Skútustaðir pseudocraters and the Hverfjall cinder cone
• a poster sessions for students and early career scientists
• participant-led discussions

A multitude of highly merited researchers have agreed to teach at the course (see the Programme page for details. The deadline for application is 15 April 2026 23:59:00 UTC.