Join Margaret at a special by-invitation-only workshop on the societal, ethical, philosophical and theological implications of astrobiology research and discovery.

This several-day workshop will take place at a venue in the San Francisco Bay Area and involve experts who will share their perspectives and analyze societal and cultural issues associated with astrobiology, particularly concerns and research problems that would derive from the discovery of extraterrestrial life.  The international workshop will be the first of its kind to systematically address the diverse non-science issues associated with astrobiological pursuits, and will produce publications for both scientific and public audiences.  

This is an opportunity to be present as prominent theologians, ethicists, philosophers, lawyers, psychologists, scientists and others ponder the potential impacts of astrobiological activities on our collective future.  You’ll have a chance to participate in discussions and have a front row seat during deliberations about the goals, objectives and strategies that could guide research and policy considerations in the coming years.  And there will be ample time for camaraderie and relaxation, and plenty of good food and libation. Now is the time to consider our collective future together.

Margaret Race is concerned with protecting the planets. Actually, protecting all the planets: but especially Earth and Mars. Her work focuses on the scientific, technical, legal and societal issues of ensuring that missions to the Red Planet and other solar system bodies do not either inadvertently bring terrestrial microbes along, which would complicate our search for indigenous extraterrestrial life, or return any microbes to Earth. Recently, she’s done a research study on the environmental impact reviews and public communication associated with high-containment biosafety labs that will eventually be used for the quarantine of returned samples from Mars.

Her interest in extraterrestrial organisms is linked closely to her long term ecological research on exotic and invasive species. She’s also actively involved in education and public outreach about astrobiology. Since her early work with the Environmental Protection Agency as a Public Information Specialist, and her tenure at San Francisco television station KQED, Margaret has had a strong interest in the communication of science via the mass media. She especially likes to work with journalists and educators as they develop materials about complex, controversial issues in space exploration and environmental protection. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her work ensures that our spacecraft won’t be.

For more information on how to adopt this scientist
Please call us toll free at 1-866-616-3617 and ask for Karen Randall.