NASA Is Seeking Partners For The Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon)
The Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) is an international conference that brings together scientists, researchers, students, and other professionals to disseminate the results of NASA funded research and to update the broader community on its past, present, and future missions that have astrobiological relevance.
AbSciCon has evolved from an event accommodating only NASA-funded researchers into an outlet where over 1,000 members of the broader astrobiology community, including researchers funded by NASA, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, and national research programs from other space faring nations, can network, announce breakthroughs, and foster global partnerships.
NASA partners with organizations with common interests and goals in the field of astrobiology to better meet the needs of this growing community.
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD), Planetary Science Division (PSD), is seeking to collaborate with an entity, on a non-reimbursable (no-exchange-of-funds) basis, to oversee planning and logistics, as well as develop program content, for a biennial (approximately every 2 years) astrobiology science conference.
Proposals from non-U.S. entities either submitted alone or jointly with a U.S. entity will not be considered. NASA is not seeking to partner under this AFPP with entities primarily in the event planning or logistics business.
The Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP): Astrobiology Science Conference 2026 (NNH26ZDA009L) will be open for proposals at least 60 days. All proposals must be submitted via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) by July 17, 2026, to be considered. For complete details visit https://go.nasa.gov/ABSCAFPP
Other inquiries (non-NSPIRES) must be submitted by email to:
Rebecca McCauley Rench
NASA Headquarters
Email: [email protected]
