About AbGradCon '12

AbGradCon (Astrobiology Graduate Conference) provides a unique setting for astrobiologically inclined graduate students and early career researchers to come together to share their research, collaborate, and network. AbGradCon 2012 marked the eighth year of this conference--each time in a different place and organized by a different group of students, but always with the original charter as a guide. This year AbGradCon was held at Caltech and JPL from August 26th-30th 2012. There were 91 attendees from over 50 institutions from around the U.S. and internationally. In addition, there were 15 participants in our undergraduate and high school student research poster competition. These meetings have been very successful both when connected to AbSciCon, and as stand-alone conferences. Since it is organized and attended by only graduate students and post docs, AbGradCon is an ideal venue for the next generation of career astrobiologists to form bonds, share ideas, and discuss the issues that will shape the future of the field. Take a look at the AbGradCon 2011 conference website to see what's happened in the past.

If you're still not convinced, check out these raps written by past AbGradCon attendees! Collaboratin' on the left was written at the 2009 conference at the University of Washington by Betsy Swanner. As for the video on the right, if the song isn't already familiar to you, check out this link.

For more info and updates, check out our facebook group!