Science Symposium at NASA Ames

Save the Date: July 20th, 2026

The live streamed Science Symposium will highlight the contributions of Ames scientists whose work reflects the interdisciplinary spirit that Viking embodied. Hear from Viking scientists, learn about future missions to Mars, and experience the legacy of astrobiology at NASA.

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (PST)

Live stream link: Coming Soon

Event contacts: aaron.mckinnon@nasa.gov and marybeth.wilhelm@nasa.gov

Agenda

12:00  Viking’s 50^th Anniversary Day Intro: A Legacy of Mars Science at Ames

• Lost Viking Film Reveal
• NASA’s Search for Life Beyond Earth – Eugene Tu
• Understanding Our Place in the Universe – Tony Colaprete

12:30  Ben Clark’s Viking Expedition: The Story of NASA’s First Mission to Mars

• Viking Scientist Ben Clark shares his firsthand account of NASA’s first mission to land on the surface of Mars.

1:30  Viking’s Living Legacy in Astrobiology

• Authors from this issue of Astrobiology’s special collection will host a panel discussion on Viking’s impact on planetary exploration and the advances that have emerged from five decades of astrobiology research.
• Speakers: Becky McCauley Rench, Devan Nisson, Penny Boston, E. Raj Venkathapthy, Tony Ricco, Shannah Withrow Maser, Tove Aagren, Neveda Naz.

2:10  Are We Ready to Search for Life Beyond Earth?

• NASA scientists from across disciplines discuss perspectives and approaches to NASA’s ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.
• Speakers: Scott Sandford, Jared Brodrick, Mary Beth Wilhelm, Amanda Cook, Melissa Kirvin Brooks, Niki Parenteau, Richard Quinn.

2:50  Outlook on Mars Exploration

• NASA Planetary Science Division Director Louise Prockter delivers an address on NASA’s priorities for Mars exploration and the search for life throughout the solar system.