MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. – Who we are and where we came from will be explored by NASA scientists and other featured speakers at the 2008 Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon 2008) April 14-17 in the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, Calif.

Hosted by the SETI Institute, the conference will highlight the multidisciplinary field of astrobiology — the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe. The conference will focus on three major scientific themes: “The Astrophysical and Planetary Context for Life,” “The Origin and Evolution of Life,” and “The Search for Life in our Solar System and Beyond.”

The conference will also feature two free evening sessions open to the public. A debate about the search for extraterrestrial life will be held on Wednesday, April 16 in the convention center theater and on Thursday, April 17, there is a presentation in Spanish scheduled at San Jose State University by astrobiologist Antonio Lazcano of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Both presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. PDT.

WHAT: Astrobiology Science Conference

WHERE: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, Calif.

WHEN: April 14-17, 2008

WHO: Astrobiology scientists from NASA and various other organizations. All sessions are open to the media. For more information, including a complete schedule and media registration procedures, visit:

http://abscicon.seti.org