Astrobiology is defined as the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and fate of life in the universe. In the summer of 1998, NASA and the scientific community created a Roadmap for Astrobiology that describes the scientific goals and objectives for this program. For additional detail on this blueprint for Astrobiology, the complete Roadmap is available at http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov/roadmap. The following three questions define the breadth of Astrobiology:

• How does life begin and develop?
• Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe?
• What is life's future on Earth and beyond?

This Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) solicits proposals to add members to the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI), http://nai.arc.nasa.gov/index.cfm. The scope of the participation will be dependent upon the nature of the interdisciplinary research proposed and on the commitment of resources on the part of the proposing organization. Participation in this solicitation is open to all categories of organizations, domestic and foreign, including industry, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other Government agencies. If teaming arrangements are established, the proposal should be submitted by the lead organization. It should be noted that a Cooperative Agreement implies that a substantial involvement is expected between NASA and the recipient during the performance of the proposed and selected activity.

Have a question on the application process or just want to browse the list of previously asked questions and answers? Click here.

This announcement encourages the development of meaningful connections between the NASA Astrobiology Institute, the scientific research community, and minority institutions through the establishment of strong linkages. Click here for more information on teaming.

The NASA Astrobiology Institute's Outreach Office educates the American public and the global community on the activities of the Institute and the field of Astrobiology. The eleven current Lead Teams of the NAI all contribute to this effort, and the Teams to be selected as a result of this CAN will be expected to participate in ways appropriate to their research and their environment.

In the links provided below you can:

• Find information on how to submit an Education and Public Outreach proposal as part of an integrated research proposal submitted in response to this CAN. Click here.
• Find out more about the NASA Office of Space Science Education and Public Outreach Strategic Plan. Click here
• Read about evaluation criteria applied to Education and Public Outreach proposals. Click here.
• View examples of NAI's outreach efforts. Click here.

Click here for more information.