All Outputs (3)

Surveys of the scientific community on the existence of extraterrestrial life (2025)
Journal Article
Vickers, P., Gardiner, E., Gillen, C., Hyde, B., Jeancolas, C., Mitchell Finnigan, S., Nováková, J. N., Strandin, H., Tasdan, U., Taylor, H., & McMahon, S. (2025). Surveys of the scientific community on the existence of extraterrestrial life. Nature Astronomy, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02451-0

During February–June 2024 we conducted four surveys among researchers regarding the likely existence of basic, complex, and intelligent extraterrestrial life. Our results offer a snapshot of community opinion and reveal a significant degree of consen... Read More about Surveys of the scientific community on the existence of extraterrestrial life.

The Call for a New Definition of Biosignature. (2023)
Journal Article
Gillen, C., Jeancolas, C., McMahon, S., & Vickers, P. (2023). The Call for a New Definition of Biosignature. Astrobiology, 23(11), 1228-1237. https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2023.0010

The term has become increasingly prevalent in astrobiology literature as our ability to search for life advances. Although this term has been useful to the community, its definition is not settled. Existing definitions conflict sharply over the bal... Read More about The Call for a New Definition of Biosignature..

Breakthrough results in astrobiology: is ‘high risk’ research needed? (2023)
Journal Article
Jeancolas, C., Gillen, C., McMahon, S., Ward, M., & Vickers, P. J. (2024). Breakthrough results in astrobiology: is ‘high risk’ research needed?. International Journal of Astrobiology, 23, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550423000241

Astrobiology is a scientific endeavour involving great uncertainties. This could justify intellectual risk-taking associated with research that significantly deviates from the mainstream, to explore new avenues. However, little is known regarding the... Read More about Breakthrough results in astrobiology: is ‘high risk’ research needed?.