When searching for life beyond Earth, scientists are haunted by a single fear: announcing a discovery that isn’t really there. Yet, by exclusively focusing our scrutiny on avoiding these illusions, have we blinded ourselves to reality? This brings us to a critical, yet neglected, challenge in astrobiology: the risk of the false negative – in other words, concluding that life is absent when it may, in fact, be present. History has indeed taught us that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. The fundamental question now facing space exploration is no longer just how to find life, but rather: how do we ensure we haven’t already missed it? It is precisely this question that an ISSI Working Group, led by Inge Loes ten Kate, Lena Noack, and Emmanuelle Javaux, set out to address.
Are you working on a research project which would benefit from collaborating with an ISSI staff member, with other ISSI visitors, or with researchers nearby in Switzerland?
The ISSI Visiting Scientist programme provides funding for short research visits to conduct research related to data from space missions. Our support consists of the provision of office space at ISSI, plus accommodation and a per diem for the duration of the research visit.
Game Changers Online Seminar with Fabio Crameri (ISSI, Bern, Switzerland)
recorded on September 5, 2024
We have previously expressed ISSI’s concern about the invasion of Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis. The need to maintain science as a platform for dialogue even in times of conflict has become more prominent. As this war continues and other tensions rise around the world, it seems more important than ever to maintain institutions where such peaceful and constructive dialogue can take place. Science is a universal language that knows no geographical or political boundaries, nor boundaries related to race, gender or sexual orientation.
ISSI provides an open and neutral environment where such open and free discussions about Space and Earth Science, and related fields can take place. Dialogue between scientists promotes not only better science, but also a better mutual understanding among people of different origins and cultures. At ISSI we like to think of this as our own small contribution to a better world.
The Team at ISSI and Willy Benz, chair of the Board of Trustees
ISSI expresses its deep dismay and concern regarding the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the resulting grave humanitarian crisis.
ISSI reaffirms its long-standing position that science is a platform for dialogue even in times of profound geopolitical conflict, and therefore a resource on which to capitalize to restore and preserve peace.
ISSI states that our capacity to work collaboratively on global challenges such as climate change and space research is only equal to our capacity to maintain strong collaboration amidst geopolitical turmoil. The isolation and exclusion of important scientific communities is detrimental to all.
ISSI pledges to advance equal participation and collaboration between scientists from all countries in its activities and to adhere to its principle that all of its activities are conducted with the highest ethical standards.
Georges Meylan
President of ISSI Board of Trustees (2015-2023)
for the ISSI BoT, ISSI Directorate, and ISSI Staff
