Program areas at Seti Institute
The 100+ scientists in the carl sagan center for research conduct groundbreaking work pertaining to fundamental questions about the origin and proliferation of life right here on earth and beyond. From the early universe and the formation of galaxies, stars, planets, moons and other small bodies, to the prevalence of environments that can support life, intelligence and technology, we work to answer the question, "are we alone?" We partner with nasa, the national science foundation and other institutions in areas of basic research, and support science missions, including as contractors to nasa's office of planetary protection. We also conduct research in non-human communications, quantum astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (Seti), using both radio and optical telescopes.
The center for outreach believes that understanding our work places humanity in a greater context. We share research and learning with the public through digital, real world and broadcast activities. These include big picture science, a radio show and podcast carried by more than 150 radio stations; Seti talks, a monthly lecture series showcasing our science and shared across multiple digital channels; Seti air, which fosters an exchange of ideas between artists and scientists; Seti live, a weekly livestreamed discussion featuring Seti Institute researchers and scientists engaged in similar work; public talks at schools, museums, libraries and other events and organizations; explorer, an annual magazine, journey, an e-newsletter; and the seti.org website.
The center for education has impacted more than a half million student and develops stem resources that teach, excite and inspire children, young adults and educators. These programs foster future leaders and include: girl scout stars, which develops space science badges for girl scouts, provides training for adult volunteers and facilitates hands-on astronomy activities; girls go to mars activities that teach stem by focusing on mars exploration; airborne astronomy ambassadors provides professional development for high school, middle school and community college science educators and includes an immersive experience onboard nasa's stratospheric observatory for infrared astronomy; and research experience for undergraduates, an 8-week summer internship that pairs students with scientist mentors.