(SpringerBriefs in Astronomy)
by Klara Anna Capova (Editor), Erik Persson (Editor), Tony Milligan (Editor), David Dunér (Editor)
This White Paper describes the state of astrobiology in Europe
today and its relation to the European society at large. With
contributions from authors in twenty countries and over thirty
scientific institutions worldwide, the document illustrates the societal
implications of astrobiology and the positive contribution that
astrobiology can make to European society.
The White paper has
two main objectives: 1. It recommends the establishment of a European
Astrobiology Institute (EAI) as an answer to a series of challenges
relating to astrobiology but also European research, education and the
society at large. 2. It also acknowledges the societal implications of
astrobiology, and thus the role of the social sciences and humanities in
optimizing the positive contribution that astrobiology can make to the
lives of the people of Europe and the challenges they face.
This book is recommended reading for science policy makers, the interested public, and the astrobiology community.
