What are the origins of life on Earth? Are we alone in the universe? These are some of the questions that will be discussed during the 2015 Astrobiology Science Conference (#AbSciCon) in Chicago Illinois, and NASA is inviting 20 of its social media followers to attend on June 15 and 16.
AbSciCon brings together nearly a thousand scientists from across the world and from a broad range of many disciplines, including astronomy, chemistry, biology, geology, paleontology and so much more, to discuss the origins and evolution of life on Earth, and the possibilities for life in our Solar System and beyond.
The theme for AbSciCon 2015 is “Habitability, Habitable Worlds, and Life.” Participants will learn about research on what makes a planet habitable for life, hear latest mission results — including the Curiosity rover on Mars, the Kepler Space Telescope’s discovery of exoplanets, and the Cassini Mission at Saturn — and learn about plans for upcoming missions to Mars, Europa and Comet Bennu.
The conference is being held at the Hilton Chicago, near the Museum Campus on Chicago’s waterfront.
NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:
- Take part in the Astrobiology Science Conference in downtown Chicago, attend scientist talks, and visit a poster hall where they can speak directly to scientists about their research.
- Cheer on participants in FameLab: Exploring Earth and Beyond, an exciting “American Idol”-style competition for early career scientists where they give 3-minute engaging talks, without slides, about science, technology or engineering.
- Meet in-person NASA and other scientists on a broad range of topics, such as the exploration of Mars, the discovery of alien worlds, and searching for clues to the origin and evolution of life on our own planet.
- Meet fellow science enthusiasts who are active on social media.
Registration opens on this page Friday, May 8, 2015, and closes at 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 14, 2015.
What are NASA Social media credentials?
Social media credentials give users a chance to apply for the same access as journalists in an effort to align the access and experience of social media representatives with those of traditional media. People, who actively collect, report, analyze and disseminate news on social networking platforms are encouraged to apply for credentials. Selection is not random. All social media accreditation applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those chosen must prove through the registration process they meet specific engagement criteria.
Do I need to have a social media account to register?
Yes. This event is designed for people who:
- Actively use multiple social networking platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience.
- Regularly produce new content that features multimedia elements.
- Have the potential to reach a large number of people using digital platforms.
- Reach a unique audience, separate and distinctive from traditional news media and/or NASA audiences.
- Must have an established history of posting content on social media platforms.
- Have previous postings that are highly visible, respected and widely recognized.
Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtags #NASASocial and #AbSciCon. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @AbSciCon, @NASASocial, @AstrobiologyNAI and via posts to Facebook and Google+.
If you are not a regular user of social media and just want to learn more about NASA science and the Astrobiology Science Conference, NASA offers other ways to connect with the ongoing research by its scientists and members, respectively. You can begin at www.nasa.gov and http://www.astrobiology.nasa.gov
How do I register?
Registration opens on this page. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. EDT on May 14. All social media accreditation applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What are the registration requirements?
Registration indicates your intent to travel to the Hilton in Chicago, Illinois, and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food and other amenities.
Some events and participants scheduled to appear at the event are subject to change without notice. NASA is not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA, moreover, is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is cancelled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.
The Astrobiology Science Conference typically requires registration and a registration fee. This fee will be waived and two-day guest access will be granted for the NASA Social attendees.
To be admitted, you will need to show two government-issued identifications (one with a photo) that match the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. All registrants must be at least 18 years old.
Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes.
Does my registration include a guest?
Because of space limitations, you may not bring a guest. Each registration provides a place for one person only (you) and is non-transferable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately.
What if I cannot come to the Hilton Chicago?
If you cannot come to the Hilton Chicago to attend in person, you should not apply for the NASA Social. You can follow the conversation using the #NASASocial and #AbSciCon hashtags.
If you cannot make this NASA Social, don’t despair; NASA is planning others in the near future at various locations. Check back on https://www.nasa.gov/social for updates.
When will I know if I am selected?
After registrations have been received and processed, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected and those on the waitlist. We expect to send notifications on or around by May 18.
If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you can still participate in the conversation.
Does registration for and/or attendance at the NASA Social qualify me for media accreditation? Your NASA Social registration and/or attendance does not qualify you for news media credentials at the Astrobiology Science Conference, now or in the future.
Have a question not answered here? Need more information? Help is available by sending an email to HQ-Social@mail.nasa.gov.