Preliminary Programme

First European Workshop on

Exo/Astrobiology

21-23 May 2001
ESRIN, Frascati (near Rome), Italy

Background and Purpose

The multidisciplinary area of Exo/Astrobiology has recently experienced a tremendous surge of interest within the wide scientific community involving both space and non-space disciplines. This includes such diverse fields as the chemical origin of life on Earth, the persistence of life in extreme conditions, interplanetary transport mechanisms and search for life strategies in the Solar System and beyond.

The European Exobiology Network is an association of European scientists active in this field and dedicated to bringing together and strengthening European scientific and intellectual resources to ensure a leading role for Europe in this field.

Since the 1980's the ESA microgravity life sciences activities have involved exobiology research concentrated on the effects of low Earth space conditions such as solar and cosmic radiation and low gravity on organic and life forms. The programme intends to extend these activities to search for life strategies in the Solar System.

Recently the activities of the ESA Space Science programme have been extended to include exo/astrobiology as a cross-fertilised discipline which can benefit from a number of ESA missions such as Huygens-Cassini, Mars Express, Rosetta, Eddington and IRSI-Darwin.

Jointly these two programmes aim to work together to promote an integrated and coordinated European approach in order to optimise the use of space-related resources and ensure a lead role for European Science in this important, emerging field.

This is the first of an intended series of workshops aimed at bringing together European scientists to review the status of the field and develop future plans and perspectives.

Objectives of the Workshop

Based on interactive dynamic discussions, the workshop aims to:

identify the European potential in Exo/Astrobiology
foster European cooperation through joint projects in Exo/Astrobiolgy
strengthen the European Network in Exo/Astrobiology
encourage young scientists to participate in exo/astrobiological research in Europe
promote a constructive research interface between exobiological expertise in Europe and the rest of the World for the benefit of the discipline and the planet
develop a perspective for longer term Exobiology research, especially in relation to human missions to Mars

Topics to be covered by the Workshop

Initial conditions and environment for the emergence of Life on Earth (evolution of planets and their satellites, atmosphere and hydrosphere, conditions necessary for life)
Chemistry of the origin of life on Earth (ingredients, extraterrestrial organic chemistry, theories of the origin of life, prebiotic chemical evolution, early life, last common ancestor)
Life in the extremes and terrestrial analogues for extraterrestrial habitats. Signatures of microbial life
Prospects for life beyond the Earth (planets/moons of the Solar System, extrasolar planets, extra solar life)
Strategy for search of life with emphasis on "in situ" analysis vs sample return, respective roles of humans and robots
Societal aspects

Sponsors:

European Exobiology Network
European Space Agency

Preliminary Programme

Monday 21 May 2001

08:00-09:00	Registration
09:00-09:10	Welcome by Mr. Cristobal Martin-Rico, Head of ESRIN
09:10-09:45	Scaling Phenomena and the Emergency of Complexity in Astrobiology Key note lecturer: Perez-Mercader, J.
09:50-12:00	Plenary Session 1: National and International Activities in Exo/Astrobiology
09:50-10:15	The French GDR Exobio Raulin, F.* ; A.** Brack; LISA, *CBM-CNRS, FR
10:15-10:40	The UK Astrobiology Forum Penny A.; Cowan D.; Wynn-Williams D.D.*; Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UCL, *BAS, UK
10:40-11:10	Coffee Break
11:10-11:35	The US Astrobiology Institute Blumberg B., USA
11:35-12:00	ESA Life Sciences, Exobiology and Exploration Clancy, P.; Schmitt, D.; ESA/ESTEC, NL*
12:00-13:15	Plenary Session 2: Life in the Extremes, Terrestrial Analogues for Extraterrestrial Habitats
12:00-12:25	Viable Halobacteria from Permo-Triassic Salt Deposits and the Possibility Of Extraterrestrial Microbial Life Stan-Lotter, H.; Radax, C.; Gruber, C.; Legat, A.; Pfaffenhuemer, M.; Wieland, H.; Univ Salzburg, AT*
12:25-12:50	The Current Study of the Earth Cryosphere as a Model Of Extraterrestrial Microbial Habitat Gilichinsky, D.; Vorobyova, E.A.; Russian Academy of Sciences, **Department of Soil Biology
12:50-13:15	Metabolic Diversity and Physiological Adaptions of Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vent Prokaryotes: Lessons for Astrobiology Prieur, D.; Universite de Bretagne Occidentale, FR
13:15-14:30	Lunch Break
14:30-16:00	Splinter Session 1: Chemistry of the Origins of Life and Extraterrestrial Organic Chemistry Moderators: A. Brack, G. Strazzulla With Statements (5-8 minutes) by: Build Up Of Organic Molecules From Simple Precursors Under Nebular Conditions Through Gas-Grain Reactions Llorca, Jordi; Inst. d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya, ES Researches of Exo/Astrobiological interest at the Laboratory of Experimental Astrophysics in Catania (Italy) Strazzulla, G.; Osservatorio Astrofisico di Catania, IT VUV Response of Prebiotic and Biotic Molecules Dulieu, F.; Schwell, M.; Leach, S.; Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, FR Large Organic Molecules in Space and Their Implications for the Origin of Life Ruiterkamp, R.; Halasinski, T.; Salama, F.; Schmidt, W.; Foing, B.**; Ehrenfreund, P.; Leiden Observatory, NASA Ames Research Center, *ESA-ESTEC, NL Photolysis in Gaseous Phase. Simulations of Planetary Atmospheres. Guillemin, J-C.; LSAB. CNRS, FR* The Role of Cyano (CN) and Ethynyl (C2H) Radicals in Astrobiology and Implications to the Origin of Life on Earth Kaiser, R.; University of York, UK
14:30-16:00	Splinter Session 2: How can we search for Life in the Solar System? Moderators: G.G. Ori, G. Horneck With Statements (5-8 minutes) by: Exobiology Research Platforms Schulte, W.; Kayser Threde GmbH, DE In Situ Analysis of Extraterrestrial Environments by Gas Chromatography: Application to the Atmosphere of Titan (mission Cassini-Huygens), the Nucleus of Comet P/Wirtanen (Mission Rosetta) and to the Martian Soil Sternberg, R., LISA - UMR CNRS 7583, FR Investigation on Mars Model Minerals by in situ Laser Raman Spectroscopy Popp, J.; Tarcea, N.; Kiefer, W.; Hilchenbach, M.; Thomas, N.; Hofer, S.; Stuffler, Timo** Institut für Physikalische Chemie, * Max-Planck-Institut für Aeronomie (MPAe), *Max-Planck-Institut für Aeronomie (MPAe), *Kayser-Threde GmbH, DE FESEM and Micro-IR Investigation of Extraterrestrial Materials Palomba, E.; Colangeli, L.; Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, IT Sulphates in Martian Soils: a Clear Exobiological Target Casanova, I.; Cid, A.*; Universitat Politècnica de CAtalunya,*Inst. d'Estudis Espacials, ES New Ways to Search for Life Traces on Other Planets Krumbein, W.E.; University of Oldenburg, DE
16:00-16:30	Coffee Break
16:30-18:00	Splinter Session 1 (continued): Chemistry of the Origins of Life and Extraterrestrial Organic Chemistry Titan Lightning: an Energy Source for Biochemistry Lammer, H.; Molina-Cuberos, G.J.; Stumptner, W.; Fischer, G.; Tokano, T.*; Austrian Academy of Sciences,*Institut fur Geophysik und Meteorologie, AT Experimental Studies on the Formation of CN Containing Organic Molecules in the Atmosphere of Titan and Implications for Prebiotic Earth Casavecchia, P.; University of Perugia, IT* Toward an Investigation on the Origin of Chirality of Biomolecules Wahlund, J-E.; Swedish Institute of Space Physics, SE The Origin of Chirality in Biomolecules; are Electromagnetic Forces Important Yamauchi, M.; Swedish Institute of Space Physics, SE Photochemical Origin of Biomolecular Asymmetry Meierhenrich, U.; Centre de Biophysique Moleculaire, FR Coherent Cyclotron Radiation and Enantiometric Excess Bingham, R.; Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK
16:30-18:00	Splinter Session 2 (continued): How can we search for Life in the Solar System? Martian Meteorites Magnetism and the Bacteria Story Rochette, P.; Istituto Nazionale de Geofisica, IT 'Life on Mars?'-And Afterwards!- Mang, V.; Astrium GmbH, DE The Possible Sites for Exobiological Activity on Titan Simakov, Michael; Simakov, Michael; Institute of Cytology, RU* Prospects for Post-Cassini Titan Exobiological Exploration Lorenz, R.; University of Arizona, USA Search for Micro-organisms on Europa and Mars in relation with the Evolution of Intelligent Behavior on other Worlds Chela Flores, J.; The Abdus Salam International Centre, IT
18:30-20:00	Network session (Business Meeting)

Tuesday 22 May 2001

09:30-11:10	Plenary Session 3: The Ingredients of Life and Chemistry of Primitive Life
09:30-09:55	From Astrochemistry to Astrobiology: Research at the Sackler Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden, NL Ehrenfreund, P.; Leiden Observatory, NL
09:55-10:20	Chemical Thermodynamics of Systemic Self-Organization Towards Live by Nano-structured Cosmic Dust Particles Krueger, F.; Kissel, J.; IBK Darmstadt, **MPI Extraterrestrik, DE
10:20-10:45	Life in the Solar System: Prebiotic Chemistry, Chirality, Life on Mars Brack, A.; Barbier, B.; Bertrand-Urbaniak, M.; Boilllot, F.; Chabin, A.; Jacquet, R.; Meierhenrich, U.; Centre de Biophysique Moleculaire, FR
10:45-11.10	Simulation of Cosmic Materials in Laboratory Colangeli, L.; Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, IT
11:10-11:45	Coffee Break
11:45-13:00	Plenary Session 4: Extraterrestrial/Extrasolar Habitability
11:45-12:10	Extra-Solar Planets: Discoveries and Constraints on Planet-Formation Scenarios Udry, S.; Mayor, M.; Geneva Observatory, CH*
12:10-12:35	Planetary Habitability: Estimating the Number of Gaias in the Milky Way Franck, S.; Bounama, C.; Schellnhuber, H-J.; von Bloh, W.; Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research*
12:35-13:00	Atmospheric Modelling and Spectroscopic Signatures of Life on Terrestrial Extra-Solar Planets Selsis, F.; Observatoire de Bordeaux, FR
13:00-14:30	Lunch Break
14:30-16:00	Splinter Session 1 (continued): Chemistry of the Origins of Life and Extraterrestrial Organic Chemistry Origin(s) of Life in the Primitive Earth and Chaos Science. Probability of Spontaneous Merging of a Biosphere Bianciardi, G.; Instituto di Anatomia Patologica, University of Siena, IT Morphological Behaviour of Inorganic Precipitation Systems Garcia-Ruiz, J-M.; Hyde, S.; Christy, A.; CSIC-University of Granada, ES A Possible Model of a Prebiotic Self-Replicating Sustem on Mineral Surfaces Gallori, E.; Franchi, M.; University of Florence, IT* Complementary Symmetry of DNA Sequences and the Possible Form of an Early Genetic Code Rothen, F.; Jolivet, R.; Université de Lausanne, *Université de Lausanne - IPMC, CH Genometrics: Unique Origins of DNA Replication in all Sequenced Archaebacterial Chromosomes Suggest that the last Universal Common Ancestor had a Similar Genomic Structure Roten, C.-A.H.; Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Microbiennes, CH* How do proteins work Cruzeiro-Hansson, L.; University of Algarve, PT
14:30-16:00	Splinter Session 3: How does Life adapt to the Extremes Moderators: D.D. Wynn-Williams, D. Prieur With Statements (5-8 minutes) by: The Role of Habitat Structure for Biomolecule Integrity and Microbial Survival under Extreme Environmental Stress in Antarctica (And On Mars?) Wynn-Williams, D.D.; British Antarctic Survey, UK Metabolic Reactions in Deep Frozen Environment Rivkina, E.; Laurinavichus, K.S.; Russian Academy of Sciences, RU* Microbial Life in Permafrost Soils: Methanogenesis and Nitrification as Analoques for Exobiological Processes Wagner, D.; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine, DE Permafrost Patterns and Cycles on Mars Paepe, R.; GEOBOUND Intenational Ltd., BE The Biology of Impact Craters - An Exobiological Perspective Cockell, C.; Lee, P.C.; Hand, K.; Brandt, D.; British Antarctic Survey, NASA Ames Research Center, University of Witwatersrand, UK How are Microbes in Ancient Rocks? D'Argenio, B.; Istituto di Ricerca Geomare Sud, IT*
16:00-16:30	Coffee Break
	Splinter Session 3 (continued): How does Life adapt to the Extremes Chemosynthetic Activity in the Solar System bodies Ori, G.G.; Int'l Research School of Planetary Sciences, IT The Resistance to Ionizing Radiation of Hyperthermophilic Archaea Isolated from Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vents Jolivet, E.; L'Haridon, S.; Corre, E.; Prieur, D.; Gerard, E.; Myllykallio, H.; Forterre, P.**; Marine European University Institute, Institut de Genetique et de Microbiology (IGM), Institut de Genetique et de Microbiology, **Unstitut de Genetique et de Microbiology, FR Biological Responses to Solar UV Radiation in Space and on Earth Rettberg, P., DE* Professional gravi-sensing' microorganisms as model systems for gravity sensing in eukaryotes Lebert, M.; Häder, D-P.; Richter, P.; Institut für Botanik und Pharmazeutische Biologie, *Lehrstuhl für Botanik I, DE From Origin of Life and Eukaryogenesis to Extremophiles and Astrobiology Seckbach, J., IS*
16:30-18:00	Splinter Session 4: Are we alone in the Universe? Moderators: M. Fridlund, P. Ehrenfreund With Statements (5-8 minutes) by: Onsala Involvement in Searches for Prebiotic Interstellar Molecules Hjalmarson, A.; Onsala Space Observatory, SE The DARWIN Mission and Exo/Astrobiology Fridlund, M.; ESA/ESTEC, NL Cosmochemical Constraints on the Origin, Composition and Early Geological Evolution of Potential Extrasolar Earth-Like Planets Casanova, I.; Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, ES Searching for Water in Planetary Systems Cosmovici, C.; Montebugnoli, S.; Maccaferri, G.; Pogrebenko, S.*; IFSI/CNR, IRA/CNR, JIVE, IT Searching for Bioastronomical Signals from Space and the Moon Farside Maccone, C.; Internat. Academy of Astronautics, IT* SETI-Italia Montebugnoli, S.; Cattani, A.; Maccaferri, A.; Maccaferri, G.; Monari, J.; Mariotti, S.; Scalambra, A.; Cosmovici, C.B.; Maccone, C.**; Radiotelescopi, Istituto di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario, Istituto di Fisicia dello Spazio Interplanetario, **Centro di Astrodinamica 'G. Colombo', IT Opportunity for European Initiative in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Overhauser, C.; Ansbro, E.*; Overhauser, C.; Space Exploration Limited,*Kingsland Observatory, IE
18:00-20:30	Poster session with drinks
18:00	Press Conference
20:30	Conference Dinner

Wednesday 23 May

09:30-11:20	Plenary Session 5: The Nature of and Search for Life in the Solar System and Beyond
09:30-09-55	The Oldest Fossil Life on Earth, its Geolocical Context and Life on Mars Westall, F.; Lunar and Planetary Institute, USA
09:55-10:20	Morphological Biomarkers Derived from Filamentous Microbes: Application in the Search for Life on Mars Hofmann, B.A.; Natural History Museum Bern, CH
10:20-10:55	Life Detection in Astrobiological Research Toporski, Jan; Westall, Frances; Steele, Andrew; McKay, David; University of Portsmouth, Lunar and Planetary Institute, *NASA Johnson Space Center, UK
10:55-11:20	Analysis of Enantioenrichments in Cometary Matter by ROSETTA/RoLand Meierhenrich, U.; Centre de Biophysique Moleculaire, FR
11:20-11:45	Coffee Break
11:45-13:00	Plenary Session 6: Search for Life in the Solar System (Missions)
11:45:12:10	Studies on Microorganisms in Space, a Contribution to the Discussion on Panspermia, Search For Life on Mars and Interaction of Life with its Environment, in General. Horneck, G.; Rettberg, P.; Reitz, G.; Panitz, C.; Rabbow, E.; DLR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, DE
12:10-12:35	Planetary Protection Aspects for In-situ and Sample Return Exobiological Experimentations Debus, A.; CNES, FR
12:35-13:00	Space activities in Exo-Astrobiology Foing, B.; ESTEC, ESA, NL
13:00-14:30Lunch Break
14:30-16:30	General discussion on future activities of the European Exobiology Network Report by moderators of the splinter sessions on research needed in - How does life adapt to the extremes? - Are we alone in the universe? - Chemistry of the origins of life and extraterrestrial organic chemistry? - How can we search for life in the universe? Report on the network
16:30	End of Symposium

Posters

The STONE Experiment: Artificial Meteorites of Sedimentary Origin
Brack, A.*; Baglioni, P.*; Borruat, G.*; Brandstatter, F.*; Demets, R.*; Edwards, H.G.M.*; Genge, M.*; Kurat, G.*; Miller, M.F.*; Newton, E.M.*; Pillinger, C.T.*; Roten, C.-A.*; Wasch, E.*; *Centre de Biophysique Moleculaire, FR

Influence of Organic Molecules on Ice Properties on Solar System Bodies
Lammer, H.*; Kargl, G.*; Komle, N.I.*; Stumptner, W.*; Keller, T.**;
*Austrian Academy of Sciences, **Institut fur Planetology, AT

Exposure of the Martian Surface to Extraterrestrial Radiation and its Implication for Molecules essential for Life
Lammer, H.*; Molina-Cuberos, G.J.*; Stumptner, W.*; Berces, A.**;
*Austrian Academy of Sciences, **Semmelweis University, AT

Experimental and Theoretical, IR and UV, Spectra of Complex Organic Molecules: Implications for their Detection and Modeling in Methane Rich Atmospheres
Benilan, Y.; LISA, FR

Laboratory UV Studies Supporting Cometary Space Missions and Exobiology
Benilan, Y.; *LISA, FR

Experimental Studies on Elementary Reactions of C Atoms and CN and OH Radicals with Molecules of Importance in the Inter-Stellar-Medium
Casavecchia, P.; University of Perugia, IT

The Biologic Experiments on Mars by Viking Landers and Presumptive Fossils on the Martian Meterorite ALH84001
Bianciardi, G.*, Ranzini, G.**, Venturoli, D.**;
* Instituto di Anatomia Patologica, University of Siena; ** Societa Italiana di Scienze Naturali, Milano, IT

Astrobiology Strategy, Life Strategy, and Methodology Applied
Vorobyova, E.A.; Moscow State University, RU

Behavior of Amino Acids and Peptides Exposed in Earth Orbit
Barbier, B.; Centre de Biophysique Moleculaire, FR

Primitive Life outisde the Solar System: Generalized Chlorophylls
Coliolo, F.; Universite di Pescara, IT

Tectonics of the RNA world
Jaeger, L.; UPR 9002, IBMC/CNRS, FR

Titan: An Exobiotical Environment
Coustenis, A.; DESPA, Paris-Meudon Observatory, FR

Protecting Effect o Artifical Meterorites o Bacterial Spores inSpace
Starke, V.*; Panitz, C.**; Rettberg, P.**; Rabbow, E.**; Scherer, K.**; Horneck, G.**;
* German Aerospace Center (DLR), ** DLR, DE

Extremely Thermophilic Cell Surface (Glyco-)Proteins: Primary Structure and Crystallization under Microgravity Conditions
König, H.; Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, DE

Interaction of DNA and RNA Hairpins with Mineral Surface in Aqueous Phase Investigated Using Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy
El Amri, C.; LADIR, CNRS, FR

Instrumented Search for Exogenous Robotic Probes on Earth
Teodorani, M.; Italian Committee for Project Hessdalen, IT

Formation of Nitriles on Titan
Molina-Cuberos, G.; Institut fuer Weltraumforschung, AT

Molecular Origins of Life : Peptide Prebiotic Emergence and Evolution through a Permanent, Cyclic Molecular Engine (The Primary Pump). Influence on the Emergence of Homochirality
Boietau, L.; University of Montpellier 2, FR

Glycosyl Hydrolases from the Thermoacidophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus as Model Systems for the Study of Enzyme Adaptation and Catalysis at High Temperatures
Moracci, M.; Institute of Protein Biochemistry and Enzymology, IT

Mutagenic Effects of Solar UV-Radiation on DNA
Rabbow, E.*; Horneck, G.*; *DLR, DE

Biological Responses t Solar Uv Radiation i Space And o Earth
Scherer, K.*; Rettberg, P.*; Horneck, G.*; *DLR, DE

Nearby SN explosion and radiation effects on Earth environment
Galletta, G.*; *Università di Padova, IT

The Rose-Experiments on the EXPOSE facility of the ISS
Panitz, C.*; Rettberg, P.**; Rabbow, E.**; Wynn-Williams, D.***; Horneck, G.**; Mancinelli, R.****; Cadet, J.*****; Munakata, N.******; Ronto, Gyorgy*******;
*DLR, Institute for Aerospace Medicine, **DLR, ***BAS, ****NASA ARC, *****CEA, ******NCCRI, *******Semmelweis University

"The Formation of Heavy Hydrocarbons in Molecular Clouds"
Viti, S.; University College London, UK

Raman Spectroscopy of Protective Biomolecules in Antarctic Desert Communities
Newton, E.*; Wynn-Williams, D.D.**; Edwards, H.*;
*University of Bradford, **British Antarctic Survey, UK

RNA Aptamers for a Prebiotic Compound : Adenine
Maurel, M-C.; Institut Jacques Monod-Université Paris 6.FR

Looking for Life on Earth - the MUSE concept study
Penny, A.*; Calcutt, S.**; Drummon, J.***; Naylor, D.****; Davis, G.*****; Seagar, S.******;
*Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, **U Oxford, ***U Toronto, ****U Leithbridge, *****U Saskatchewan, ******IAS, UK, US, CA

Atrochemical and Prebiotical Elementary Processes
Keheyan, Y.*; CNR, IT

An instrumented Mole for Mars Exobiological Research
Richter, L.*; *DLR, DE

Protection Means for Life under Extreme Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Conditions
Cordoba-Jabonero, C.;Centro de Astrobiologia (CSIC-INTA), ES

Genometrics: Unique Origins of DNA Replication in all Sequenced Archaebacterial Chromosomes Suggest That the Last Universal Common Ancestor had a Similar Genomic Structure.
Roten, C-A.H.*; Gamba, P.*; *IGBM, Lausanne University, CH

Functional Mesoscale Models for Self-Reproducing Polymer Assemblies: Artificial Polymer Life
Fraaije, J.; University of Leiden, NL

A Model for Coordinating Future Astrobiology Research - A Virtual Laboratory Solution for the Early Prebiotic Chemical Evolution of the Solar Nebula
Golden, A.; National University of Ireland, IE

Search for Enantriomeric Excess in Extraterrestrial Samples. Interest for the Origin of Homochirality on the Primitive Earth and for the Search for Extant or Extinct Life on Mars
Trambouze, O., University of Montpellier II, FR

Photosynthesis on Earth-Like Planets
Wolstencroft, R.D.; Royal Observatory Edinburgh, UK

Chemical Laboratory Experiments Dedicated to the Improvement of Photochemical Models of Titan's Atmosphere
Vuitton, V.; LISA, FR

Laboratory Photochemical Formation of Peptides in Presence of Meteorites as a Model of Chemical Evolution Process
Gontareva, N.B.; Laboratory of Exobiology, RU

Towards a Technology Demonstrator for a Multi-Analyte Sensor Array Incorporating Artificial Molecular Recognition Elements for Astrobiology Applications
Cullen, D.; Cranfield University at Silsoe, UK

On the Last Terms of Drake Equation: the Problem of Energy Sources and the 'Rare Earth Hypothesis'
Musso, P.; Universite di Genova, IT

Exobiology at LISA
Raulin, F.; LISA - UMR CNRS 7583, FR

Earth's Submarine Cold Vent Biota: The Last 500 Million Years
Taviani, M.*; Barbieri, R.**;
*Istituto Geologia Marina CNR, **University of Bologna, IT

Long Term Multidisciplinary Futurology Workshop on the Possible Evolution of Extraterrestrial Life
Bobola, Ph.*; Gaudeau, C.*; Velasco, **; Gildas Bourdais; Ribes, J-C.***; Guye, O.****; Giraud, O.*; Russo, G.*****
*Lab. de Bio-Informatique et de Biotechnologie, **CNES, SEPRA, ***Societe Astronomique de France, ****ADERSA, *****CIFI, FR

Rotary Digging Shield for Mars Tunneling System in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Bobola, Ph.*; Gaudeau, C.*; Russo, G.**; Guye, O.***;
*Lab. de Bio-Informatique et de Biotechnologie, **CIFI, ***ADERSA, FR

A Terrestrial Analog for Exobiological Studies: The Cretaceous Microbialite of the Mons Basin (Belgium)
Baele, J-M.*; Hofmann, B.**;
*Mons Institute of Technology, **Bern Natural History Museum, CH

Large and Complex Organics in Space
Foing, B.*; Ehrenfreund, P.**;
*ESTEC, ESA, **Leiden Observatory/University of Vienna, NL

Astrobiology with ESA Science Missions
Foing, B.; ESTEC, ESA, NL

Biological Role of Martian Airborne and Deposited Dust
Moreau, D.*; Muller, C.*; *Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, BE

The Mars Simulation Laboratory, University of Aarhus
Merrison, J.*; Nornberg, P.*; Uggerhoj, E.*; *University of Aarhus, DK

How did the Earliest Self-Replicating Systems manage to evolve Darwinian Evolvability
Von Kiedrowski, G.; Ruhr-University, DE

Preparation for the Mars sample return: Search for biosignatures and prebiotic chemistry on Mars
Dobrijevic, M.*; El Amri, S.**; Baron, M-H.**; Derenne, S.***; Largeau, C.***; Zaccaï, G.****; Albrecht, P.*****; Léon, S.******; Maurel, M-C.*******;
* Observatoire de Bordeaux, ** LADIR, *** LCBOP, **** Institut de Biologie Structurale, ***** Laboratoire de Géochimie Organique, ****** CNES, ******* Institut Jacques Monod, FR

Combination of Different Microscopical Techniques for the Integrated Study of Extremophile Endolithic Microorganisms
de los Ríos, A.*,**; Wierzchos, J.**; Sancho, L.G.***; Ascaso, C.*;
* CSIC, ** Universitat de Lleida, *** Universidad Complutense de Madrid, ES

Organizing Committee:

André BRACK (chairman)	France
Paul CLANCY	ESA
Marcello CORADINI	ESA
Malcolm FRIDLUND	ESA
Marc HEPPENER	ESA
Beda HOFMANN	Switzerland
Gerda HORNECK	Germany
Juan PEREZ-MERCADER	Spain
David WYNN-WILLIAMS	United Kingdom

Science Advisory Committee:

Ricardo AMILS	Spain
Herrick BALTSCHEFFSKY	Sweden
Clas BLOMBERG	Sweden
Christiano COSMOVICI	Italy
Don COWAN	United Kingdom
Pascale EHRENFREUND	The Netherlands
David FIELD	Denmark
Nils HOLM	Sweden
Jean-Luc JOSSET	Switzerland
Günter KIEDROWSKI	Germany
Helmut LAMMER	Austria
Gian-Gabriele ORI	Italy
Roland PAEPE	Belgium
Alan PENNY	United Kingdom
François RAULIN	France
Didier SCHMITT	ESA
Alan SCHWARTZ	The Netherlands
Gerhard SCHWEHM	ESA
Helga STAN-LOTTER	Austria
Karl STETTER	Germany
Sergio VOLONTÉ	ESA
Ray WOLSTENCROFT	United Kingdom

Location of the Workshop

ESA's European Space Research Institute, known as ESRIN, is based in Frascati, a small historic town 20 km South of Rome (see http://www.hurricane.it/castelliromani/frascati/).

For information on ESRIN's main functions, activities and how it works (see http://www.esrin.esa.it).

Mail: ESA/ESRIN, Via Galileo Galilei, Casella Postale 64, 00044 Frascati (RM), Italy

Registration, Registration Fees and Hotel Reservations

[Registration/Hotel Reservation Form]

No registration fees will be collected in order to allow a maximum of scientists to attend the Workshop.

Accomodation

A limited number of rooms have been blocked at several local hotels. We advise you to book your hotel via the conference local support. Please return the attached hotel reservation form by fax to the conference local support before 14 April 2001. After this date the hotel block booking will be released, and availability of any hotel room can no longer be guaranteed.

Please complete the attached form even if you prefer a different category of hotel and our conference local support will endeavour to satisfy your request.

Should you not require hotel accommodation, you should still confirm your attendance by fax to the conference local support so that you will be officially registered for the meeting and be able to gain access to the ESRIN site.

Lunch

Lunch is available in the ESRIN canteen and is payable in cash. The canteen has a wide variety of dishes including vegetarian.

Directions from Airport

Road directions from Rome Fiumicino airport to the Frascati area will be provided upon request.

Hotel Confirmation

Please note that the hotel confirmations will be sent out during the week of 17 April 2001.

Booking of Hotel Rooms and Airport Taxis **

Cancellations should be made in writing to the ESRIN Travel Office - fax no.

0039 06 9418 0242

No show hotel and taxi bookings will be charged to the requestor's credit card.

Local Transportation

Daily bus transportation will be arranged between the pre-booked hotels, ESRIN and any social events.

Welcome Package

A welcome package of documentation including meeting logistics, courtesy bus timetable and social event details will be provided at the hotel check in.