1–5 July 2025
Harpa Conference Centre, Reykjavík, Iceland
The second Biennial European Astrobiology Conference (BEACON 2025) was held from 1–5 July 2025 at the striking and modern Harpa Conference Centre in Reykjavík, Iceland. The event brought together scientists, students, and space professionals from across Europe and beyond, offering a rich programme of interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and inspiration in the field of astrobiology.
The conference opened with a welcome event, featuring a public talk and multimedia exposé on 30 June, and officially began the next morning; running through a packed schedule of talks, poster sessions, public outreach events, and excursions. BEACON 2025 showcased the latest research in topics ranging from the formation and evolution of planetary systems to the detection of life beyond Earth. Sessions explored the chemical origins of life, planetary environments and habitability, biosignatures, and last but not least, historical and philosophical perspectives on life in the universe and its possible detection.
A highlight of the programme was a series of keynote lectures delivered by internationally recognised experts. In total, the scientific programme featured a diverse mix of invited talks, contributed presentations, and vibrant poster sessions.
Beyond the lecture halls, participants experienced astrobiologically interesting field sites and Iceland’s dramatic natural landscapes through a series of guided excursions. These field trips, part of the conference’s core programming, included visits to the Golden Circle, the Reykjanes geothermal region, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The conference concluded with a memorable banquet at Reykjavík’s Perlan dome, offering a rotating view of the city and access to the “Wonders of Iceland” exhibitions.
The EAI supported early-career scientists through travel bursaries and subsidised accommodation. A satellite meeting for young researchers, co-organised with AbGradE and OOLEN under FALCON, was held just prior to the main conference, and a post-conference tour offered additional opportunities for informal learning and networking in the days that followed.
Map of Participants' Country of Residence
On behalf of the European Astrobiology Institute, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in BEACON 2025 in Reykjavík.
Your presence, presentations, and engagement made this conference a truly inspiring and memorable event. Whether you shared your latest research, joined discussions, presented a poster, or simply brought your curiosity and enthusiasm. We are grateful for your contribution.
Special thanks also go to our keynote speakers, session chairs, early-career researchers, outreach participants, and everyone who helped make BEACON 2025 a success both scientifically and socially.
We hope the connections formed and ideas exchanged will continue to grow, and we look forward to seeing you again at future gatherings of the astrobiology community.