What is the ASB?

start_470x321

The UK, Eire and parts of Western Europe from the International Space Station. Image: NASA

The Astrobiology Society of Britain (ASB), founded in March 2003, is a learned society for scientists and others interested in the relationship between life and its cosmic environment. This covers a vast diversity of topics and research methodologies, encompassing observational astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, geological expeditions, and laboratory-based microbiology and prebiotic chemistry. The ASB is a highly interdisciplinary forum, with a membership spanning the full spectrum of these topics, and is open to all professional scientists and students interested in the field. Our membership is international.

In addition to acting as a nexus for its members and running this website, the ASB publishes a quarterly newsletter and runs workshops and conferences. Our newsletter provides updates on all aspects of astrobiology, from the latest results and news to activities of our members and up-coming international conferences and meetings of astrobiological interest. The ASB also holds annual workshops for members, as well as its own conference every two years, which acts as a focus for discussion in astrobiology, and a biennial general meeting (BGM). The BGMs are open to all members and include a report from the Chairperson on the Society`s activities over the year; a report from the Treasurer on the finances of the Society,  and elections of new members to the Management Committee. Minutes from past BGMs are archived here.

An updated version of the ASB constitution was finalised in 2016, based on discussions with both the committee and the wider membership. The full document can be viewed here: ASB Constitution 2016


Society FAQs

What is the Astrobiology Society of Britain?

What is the relationship between the ASB and other organisations like the RAS, NAI and EANA?

What are the benefits of becoming a member?

How do I join?

How do I contact the Committee?

What is the Astrobiology Society of Britain?

The Astrobiology Society of Britain (ASB), founded in March 2003, is a learned society for scientists and others interested in the relationship between life and its cosmic environment. This covers a vast diversity of topics and research methodologies, encompassing observational astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, geological expeditions, and laboratory-based microbiology and prebiotic chemistry. The ASB is a highly interdisciplinary forum, with a membership spanning the full spectrum of these topics, and is open to all professional scientists and students interested in the field. Our membership is international.

In addition to acting as a nexus for its members and running this website, the ASB publishes a quarterly newsletter and runs workshops and conferences. Our newsletter provides updates on all aspects of astrobiology, from the latest results and news to activities of our members and up-coming international conferences and meetings of astrobiological interest. The ASB also holds annual workshops for members, as well as its own conference every two years, which acts as a UK focus for discussion in astrobiology.

What is the relationship between the ASB and other organisations like the RAS, NAI and EANA?

The Astrobiology Society of Britain is a learned society founded to assist those who research or study subjects related to astrobiology. In order to facilitate this aim, we collaborate with many other organisations. The ASB is an Associated Group of the Royal Astronomical Society, an International Partner of the NASA Astrobiology Institute, and an Organisation Member of the European Astrobiology Network Association.

What are the benefits of becoming a member?

Membership of the Astrobiology Society of Britain brings many benefits, including:

  • Involvement in a national, and international, community of astrobiology researchers and educators
  • Reduced entry fees to our workshops and conferences
  • Delivery of our exclusive quarterly newsletter. This newsletter carries notifications of upcoming astrobiology conferences, meetings and seminars of interest to the community, notice of available astrobiology PhD studentships and research posts, as well as various reports, news items, and the latest book reviews
  • A 20% reduction on personal subscriptions to the International Journal of Astrobiology

How do I join?

You can join the Astrobiology Society of Britain by filling in the application form, available here.

Your application must be endorsed by two members of the ASB or of other relevant learned societies. Once your application has been approved, you will be informed by the Membership Secretary and invited to pay your membership dues.

Annual membership to the ASB costs just £20 or £10 for students.

How do I contact the Committee?

The Committee can be contacted though the several means listed on our contact page.