The First Roadmap for European Astrobiology

What is it about?

The AstRoMap project (supported by the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme) surveyed the state of the art of astrobiology in Europe and beyond, and produced the first European roadmap for astrobiology research.

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Why is it important?

The Roadmap is a transdisciplinary document of relevance for many communities, from astronomers to planetary scientists and from atmospheric physicists to life scientists. It identifies five research topics, specifies several key scientific objectives for each topic, and suggests ways to achieve all the objectives. The five AstRoMap Research Topics are: • 1: Origin and Evolution of Planetary Systems • 2: Origins of Organic Compounds in Space • 3: Rock-Water-Carbon Interactions, Organic Synthesis on Earth, and Steps to Life • 4: Life and Habitability • 5: Biosignatures as Facilitating Life Detection The AstRoMap Roadmap also strongly recommends that a European Astrobiology Platform (or Institute) should be set up to streamline scientific investigations, maximise interdisciplinary collaboration and optimise the use and development of infrastructures.