International Summer School in Astrobiology
The Josep Comas i Solà International Astrobiology Summer School is held annually in Santander, Spain.
The Josep Comas i Solà International Summer School in Astrobiology is co-directed by the NASA Astrobiology Program and the Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, at the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP), sponsored by the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) and European Space Agency (ESA) Academy. Held annually at the Palacio de la Magdalena in Santander, Spain, it is a well- established school for the astrobiology community. A week-long program for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows provides lectures from international experts, round- table discussions, student projects and presentations, a whole-day field excursion to a nearby site of astrobiological interest, and cultural activities provided by the hosting university. This program forges new relationships and helps build international collaboration in astrobiology.
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XIII INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ASTROBIOLOGY "JOSEP COMAS I SOLÀ" (2026)
Application Deadline: Applications for 2026 US Candidates have closed. Future opportunities will be posted on this site in 2027. See below for further information from non-US applicants.
The next International School of Astrobiology will take place from June 29 to July 3, 2026, with a focus on “Searching for extraterrestrial life: challenges, methods and instruments”.
Some of the essential questions in astrobiology include:
- What is life?
- How and why did life arise?
- Is life a necessary consequence of the physical and chemical evolution of planets?
- Does life exist or has it existed in places beyond Earth?
The 23rd edition of the International School of Astrobiology “Josep Comas i Solà” will address different aspects of the search for life beyond Earth, the methods and instruments used in current and future Solar System missions as well as the many scientific and external challenges facing the scientific and technological community. The school is also a forum for meeting and promoting the ever-necessary transatlantic dialogue.
The NASA Astrobiology Program will provide funding for selected students for registration and room and board as well as airfare up to $2K per student. Other expenses are the responsibility of the student/advisor.
Application materials for:
- Applications for US candidates have closed. Future opportunities will be posted on this site in 2027.
- citizens of ESA member states: Applications have closed. Future opportunities will be posted on this site in 2027.
- UIMP students, from European Union countries and non-EU nationals with legal residence in Spain: Applications have closed. Future opportunities will be posted on this site in 2027.
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident and those enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution at the master’s or doctoral levels at the time of the school: Applications have closed. Future opportunities will be posted on this site in 2027.
Please see the Centro de Astrobiologia webpage for the list of lecturers, program and additional scholarship opportunities for non-US students.
Trainings, Conferences, and Workshops
AbGradCon
An astrobiology science conference for graduate students and postdocs, including research presentations, small group discussions, and social activities, which promotes long-term professional relationships.
Participate in a Review Panel
Senior graduate students and postdocs are provided the opportunity to gain first-hand experience learning about the NASA grant review process by serving as Executive Secretaries on virtual review panels.
