4. PARTNERSHIPS

NAI Focus Groups
NAI International Partners

4.1 NAI Focus Groups

The purpose of the NAI Focus Group initiative is to mobilize expertise from across the Institute and the wider scientific community towards the rapid advancement of a defined area of research, mission planning, or other activity of particular importance to astrobiology. Innovative, interdisciplinary efforts seeking synergy among various research fields are particularly encouraged. Find the list of current NAI Focus Groups, the Focus Group Operating Principles, and how to propose a new Focus Group, at http://nai.arc.nasa.gov/institute/focus_groups.cfm.

4.2 NAI International Partners

In 1997 the NASA Astrobiology Institute initiated a program of partnerships with international astrobiology organizations to provide collaborative research opportunities for all of the members of the international science community. Through this program, non-U.S. astrobiology organizations can propose to become either Associate or Affiliate Members of the NAI. Associate Membership entails a formal commitment between NASA and a complementary agency of the host country. Affiliate Membership is a similar agreement of collaboration but without a formal commitment from the government agency of the host country.

A short written proposal is requested which describes both the nature of the proposing international organization and the types of collaboration with the NAI that are planned. The proposal is reviewed by the NAI Executive Council (EC), who make a recommendation to the NAI Director for approval. Additional information on the international partners of the NAI can be obtained at http://nai.arc.nasa.gov/institute/intl_partners.cfm .

Those interested in initiating a new Associate or Affiliate Membership should contact Dr. Edward Goolish (Deputy Director) at <egoolish@mail.arc.nasa.gov>.

The NAI, its International Partners, and other international astrobiology organizations have formed an informal consortium called the Federation of Astrobiology Organizations (FAO). The purpose of the FAO is to provide a forum for the exchange of information about the current and planned activities of its member organizations.