🚀 Opportunity Alert: Become a Member of NASA's DARES Task Force!

NASA's Astrobiology Program is on the hunt for approximately 47 passionate individuals to join the NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (DARES) Task Force 2 (TF2). This is an incredible chance to influence the future of astrobiology, science, and exploration.

🕓 Important Dates and Details

The clock is ticking! Applications are due by **September 29th, 2025** at **11:59 PM EDT**. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this thrilling journey!

🤝 Who We're Looking For

TF2 will include: - **2 Co-Chairs** - **9 Focus Area Subcommittee Leads** - **27 General Members** - **9 Early-Career Executive Secretaries** (defined as current graduate students or those within five years of their terminal degree). NASA Ex-Officio Members will provide program guidance but aren’t included in the 47-member team.

📝 What TF2 Will Do

TF2 will be tasked with developing the NASA-DARES Strategy, a non-consensus document that captures the current state of the field while identifying key technical gaps and challenging scientific questions.

📅 Key Activities to Look Forward To

The anticipated schedule includes: - A **kickoff meeting** in October 2025. - **Five public webinars** from October to December 2025. - Participation in the **AGU 2025 Status Workshop** in December (hybrid format). - A **community roundtable** in January 2026. - Drafting and revising the Strategy with NASA's feedback from February to May 2026. - A significant town hall at **AbSciCon 2026** in May.

🔍 Focus Areas for Exploration

TF2 will focus its research across nine key areas, including: 1. Protometabolism and macromolecules in planetary environments. 2. Abiotic organic production and chemical evolution. 3. Co-evolution of biospheres and planetary systems. 4. Understanding habitability through comparative planetology. 5. Detecting signs of life in various environments. 6. Astrobiology missions and technology development. 7. Investing in both physical and digital infrastructure for astrobiology. 8. Supporting the workforce and early-career scientists. 9. Exploring the role of astrobiology in society.

📜 How to Apply

Apply electronically via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). For detailed instructions, check out the document titled ‘How to Volunteer for Task Force 2’ on the application page. Don’t forget: all applications must be in by the end of September!

✨ What to Include in Your Application

Your application needs to include: - A **2-page biographical sketch** detailing your professional experiences and relevant publications. - A **2-page cover letter** expressing your interest and qualifications, particularly in relation to the nine Focus Areas. For those interested in leadership roles, make sure to highlight your relevant expertise.

🤔 Have Questions?

If you have any questions or need clarification, reach out to the organizers at [email protected] But remember, do not send your applications to this email!

🌟 Don't Miss Out!

This is not just another application—it's a chance to carve your name in the history of astrobiology. Step up and make your mark in the quest for discovering life beyond our planet!