The Birmingham Open Media (BOM) centre is hosting the first Space Biohack, bringing together scientists, artists and enthusiasts with members of the High Altitude Bioprospecting team and astrobiologists from NASA. This event will creatively explore how research with astrobiology is contributing to novel biotechnologies and addressing gender preconceptions in the history of space exploration. This will be a serious effort to build a working astrobiology payload and we are trying to attract as many specialist attendees as possible – this means ASB – as well as a wider mix of enthusiasts. This is an essential event for anyone interested in working creatively with curiosity-driven science, and those wanting to contribute to the future development of the High Altitude Bioprospecting project. Activities include:
- Working with the High Altitude Bioprospecting science-art team to plan the next phase of the HAB’s mission.
- Take part in hands-on making with 3D printers
- Robotics
- Rocket science
- DNA analysis
- Learn how to sample for bacteria and other living organisms in extreme environments.
- Witness a live ‘robot autopsy’ by internationally acclaimed performance artist Kira O’Reilly and the HAB team
- Hear from a distinguished panel of experts in astrobiology, including Dr. Lynn Rothschild, an evolutionary biologist from NASA Ames Research Center, and Space Gynecologist Dr. Varsha Jain whose research examines menstrual suppression and the risks of blood clots in space.
Suitable for adults and over 14s. Tickets must be booked in advance. To secure a place and for more details please visit: http://www.bom.org.uk/event/space-biohack/
(Please note, Lynn Rothschild’s presentation may be rescheduled and occur by Skype).
For further details contact: Oliver de Peyer <oliverdepeyer@me.com>
