AstrobiologyOU
@astrobiologyou.bsky.social
The Open University's very own Astrobiology research group, addressing the scientific, governance and ethical challenges associated with astrobiology.
www.open.ac.uk/AstrobiologyOU
www.open.ac.uk/AstrobiologyOU
Three of the team are off to Spain to carry out some fieldwork!
But before they go the important job of packing!!
(Extra credit to those who spot an AstrobiologyOU mug!)
#Fieldwork #astrobiology #research
But before they go the important job of packing!!
(Extra credit to those who spot an AstrobiologyOU mug!)
#Fieldwork #astrobiology #research
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Three of the team are off to Spain to carry out some fieldwork!
But before they go the important job of packing!!
(Extra credit to those who spot an AstrobiologyOU mug!)
#Fieldwork #astrobiology #research
But before they go the important job of packing!!
(Extra credit to those who spot an AstrobiologyOU mug!)
#Fieldwork #astrobiology #research
Come and work with us!
FOUR PhD vacancies are now open in AstrobiologyOU for Oct 2026 start.
Funding is via the Central England NERC Training Alliance
@centa.bsky.social
For details and how to apply see the project descriptions.
centa.ac.uk/projects/?_s...
FOUR PhD vacancies are now open in AstrobiologyOU for Oct 2026 start.
Funding is via the Central England NERC Training Alliance
@centa.bsky.social
For details and how to apply see the project descriptions.
centa.ac.uk/projects/?_s...
Projects – CENTA
centa.ac.uk
November 21, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Come and work with us!
FOUR PhD vacancies are now open in AstrobiologyOU for Oct 2026 start.
Funding is via the Central England NERC Training Alliance
@centa.bsky.social
For details and how to apply see the project descriptions.
centa.ac.uk/projects/?_s...
FOUR PhD vacancies are now open in AstrobiologyOU for Oct 2026 start.
Funding is via the Central England NERC Training Alliance
@centa.bsky.social
For details and how to apply see the project descriptions.
centa.ac.uk/projects/?_s...
We were very excited to welcome back Dr Grace Richards @spacelabgrace (INAF-IAPS, Rome) to the group for a seminar on:
'Space weathering in the lab: from Enceladus to Mercury'.
Grace graduated from her PhD in AstrobiologyOU earlier in 2025 so it was great to see what she's been up to since!
'Space weathering in the lab: from Enceladus to Mercury'.
Grace graduated from her PhD in AstrobiologyOU earlier in 2025 so it was great to see what she's been up to since!
November 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
We were very excited to welcome back Dr Grace Richards @spacelabgrace (INAF-IAPS, Rome) to the group for a seminar on:
'Space weathering in the lab: from Enceladus to Mercury'.
Grace graduated from her PhD in AstrobiologyOU earlier in 2025 so it was great to see what she's been up to since!
'Space weathering in the lab: from Enceladus to Mercury'.
Grace graduated from her PhD in AstrobiologyOU earlier in 2025 so it was great to see what she's been up to since!
Huge congratulations to Dr Veli Ilieva on a successful defence of her PhD thesis titled:
The microbial communities of sulfate-rich hypersaline Mars-analogue environments.
We are all very proud of you. Enjoy the celebrations! 🎉
The microbial communities of sulfate-rich hypersaline Mars-analogue environments.
We are all very proud of you. Enjoy the celebrations! 🎉
November 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Huge congratulations to Dr Veli Ilieva on a successful defence of her PhD thesis titled:
The microbial communities of sulfate-rich hypersaline Mars-analogue environments.
We are all very proud of you. Enjoy the celebrations! 🎉
The microbial communities of sulfate-rich hypersaline Mars-analogue environments.
We are all very proud of you. Enjoy the celebrations! 🎉
Final episode (ep. 4) TONIGHT of this brilliant BBC-OU co-production. 9pm BBC2/iPlayer.
'Friends forever': The astronauts aboard the ISS face the emotional realities of isolation, while their relationships are tested when war breaks out on Earth.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
'Friends forever': The astronauts aboard the ISS face the emotional realities of isolation, while their relationships are tested when war breaks out on Earth.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Two - Once Upon a Time in Space, Series 1, Friends Forever
Relationships aboard the ISS are tested when war breaks out on Earth.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Final episode (ep. 4) TONIGHT of this brilliant BBC-OU co-production. 9pm BBC2/iPlayer.
'Friends forever': The astronauts aboard the ISS face the emotional realities of isolation, while their relationships are tested when war breaks out on Earth.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
'Friends forever': The astronauts aboard the ISS face the emotional realities of isolation, while their relationships are tested when war breaks out on Earth.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Huge thanks to Dr Claire Newman (Aeolis Research) for visiting the group today and giving a super seminar on Mars atmospheric science from fifty years of surface missions.
Pictured here (centre) with Dr Ben Tatton and Jessie Hogan
Pictured here (centre) with Dr Ben Tatton and Jessie Hogan
November 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Huge thanks to Dr Claire Newman (Aeolis Research) for visiting the group today and giving a super seminar on Mars atmospheric science from fifty years of surface missions.
Pictured here (centre) with Dr Ben Tatton and Jessie Hogan
Pictured here (centre) with Dr Ben Tatton and Jessie Hogan
Inspirational future planning from our own Jessie Hogan 👇
In Europlanet Magazine, Jessie Hogan (@openuniversity.bsky.social) and Nimisha Verma (@dlr-de.bsky.social) of the EPEC community, give a status update and describe future plans for Early Careers: www.europlanet.org/europlanet-magazine/issue-8/epec-a-new-generation/
November 13, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Inspirational future planning from our own Jessie Hogan 👇
You don't need to be an astronaut to work in space!
In our new YouTube video hear from experts at the OU about jobs, careers and hobbies that would allow you to work in the space sector.
Filmed for World Space Week 2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoXm...
#WSW2025 #WorldSpaceWeek #OpenUniversity
In our new YouTube video hear from experts at the OU about jobs, careers and hobbies that would allow you to work in the space sector.
Filmed for World Space Week 2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoXm...
#WSW2025 #WorldSpaceWeek #OpenUniversity
November 11, 2025 at 5:22 PM
You don't need to be an astronaut to work in space!
In our new YouTube video hear from experts at the OU about jobs, careers and hobbies that would allow you to work in the space sector.
Filmed for World Space Week 2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoXm...
#WSW2025 #WorldSpaceWeek #OpenUniversity
In our new YouTube video hear from experts at the OU about jobs, careers and hobbies that would allow you to work in the space sector.
Filmed for World Space Week 2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoXm...
#WSW2025 #WorldSpaceWeek #OpenUniversity
Once upon a time in space - episode 3! Tonight, BBC Two/iPlayer, 9pm GMT
'Politics always wins': Mir’s reign in space comes to an end with the arrival of the International Space Station. A new dawn of co-operation awaits, offering hope for a divided world.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
'Politics always wins': Mir’s reign in space comes to an end with the arrival of the International Space Station. A new dawn of co-operation awaits, offering hope for a divided world.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Two - Once Upon a Time in Space, Series 1, Politics Always Wins
The arrival of the International Space Station promises a new era of cooperation in space.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Once upon a time in space - episode 3! Tonight, BBC Two/iPlayer, 9pm GMT
'Politics always wins': Mir’s reign in space comes to an end with the arrival of the International Space Station. A new dawn of co-operation awaits, offering hope for a divided world.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
'Politics always wins': Mir’s reign in space comes to an end with the arrival of the International Space Station. A new dawn of co-operation awaits, offering hope for a divided world.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Do space environments have value? If we find life on Mars, what are our responsibilities?
Our own Dr Emma Purenen discusses these and more questions about Astrobiology Ethics in our latest video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxO...
#worldspaceweek #WSW2025 #SpaceEthics
Our own Dr Emma Purenen discusses these and more questions about Astrobiology Ethics in our latest video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxO...
#worldspaceweek #WSW2025 #SpaceEthics
November 7, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Do space environments have value? If we find life on Mars, what are our responsibilities?
Our own Dr Emma Purenen discusses these and more questions about Astrobiology Ethics in our latest video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxO...
#worldspaceweek #WSW2025 #SpaceEthics
Our own Dr Emma Purenen discusses these and more questions about Astrobiology Ethics in our latest video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxO...
#worldspaceweek #WSW2025 #SpaceEthics
We were delighted to welcome Prof Christoph Salzmann (UCL) to the group today, visiting the labs and giving a seminar on ‘Ice: from snowflakes to energy storage’.
Pictured here (centre) with Dr Rachael Hamp and Dr Mark Fox-Powell.
Pictured here (centre) with Dr Rachael Hamp and Dr Mark Fox-Powell.
November 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
We were delighted to welcome Prof Christoph Salzmann (UCL) to the group today, visiting the labs and giving a seminar on ‘Ice: from snowflakes to energy storage’.
Pictured here (centre) with Dr Rachael Hamp and Dr Mark Fox-Powell.
Pictured here (centre) with Dr Rachael Hamp and Dr Mark Fox-Powell.
Super opportunity for Early Career Researchers! 👇
✨ Are you an Early Career Researcher in planetary science and related fields looking for funding? The Europlanet Ireland & UK Hub invites applications for the 2025 ECR Fund: www.europlanet.org/ireland-uk-h...
November 4, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Super opportunity for Early Career Researchers! 👇
Once upon a time in space - Episode 2 tonight! 9pm BBC2/iPlayer
Our own Marjan Ajevski and Vic Pearson were academic consultants
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Our own Marjan Ajevski and Vic Pearson were academic consultants
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Two - Once Upon a Time in Space, Series 1, The Russian Thing
When the Soviet Union falls, Russia welcomes US astronauts to their space station, Mir.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Once upon a time in space - Episode 2 tonight! 9pm BBC2/iPlayer
Our own Marjan Ajevski and Vic Pearson were academic consultants
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Our own Marjan Ajevski and Vic Pearson were academic consultants
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Today we sadly said 'au revoir' to our wonderful Office Manager Rosa Miller who has been at the helm for four years and one month!
She leaves us to take up a new role as Strategy, Policy and Governance Manager in the OU STEM Deanery.
Thank you for your care and support and we will miss you!
She leaves us to take up a new role as Strategy, Policy and Governance Manager in the OU STEM Deanery.
Thank you for your care and support and we will miss you!
October 31, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Today we sadly said 'au revoir' to our wonderful Office Manager Rosa Miller who has been at the helm for four years and one month!
She leaves us to take up a new role as Strategy, Policy and Governance Manager in the OU STEM Deanery.
Thank you for your care and support and we will miss you!
She leaves us to take up a new role as Strategy, Policy and Governance Manager in the OU STEM Deanery.
Thank you for your care and support and we will miss you!
We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Dr Alison Halton to the AstrobiologyOU team as Laboratory Manager (microbiology).
October 30, 2025 at 11:29 AM
We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Dr Alison Halton to the AstrobiologyOU team as Laboratory Manager (microbiology).
In celebration of National Cat Day, say hello to the Cats of AstrobiologyOU!
While they are tough employers/children, they power us through with cuddles and love, supporting us to be the best astrobiologists we can be!
#nationalcatday #catsofastrobiology #catsofbluesky
While they are tough employers/children, they power us through with cuddles and love, supporting us to be the best astrobiologists we can be!
#nationalcatday #catsofastrobiology #catsofbluesky
October 29, 2025 at 3:05 PM
In celebration of National Cat Day, say hello to the Cats of AstrobiologyOU!
While they are tough employers/children, they power us through with cuddles and love, supporting us to be the best astrobiologists we can be!
#nationalcatday #catsofastrobiology #catsofbluesky
While they are tough employers/children, they power us through with cuddles and love, supporting us to be the best astrobiologists we can be!
#nationalcatday #catsofastrobiology #catsofbluesky
New 4 part documentary begins TONIGHT on BBC2/iPlayer at 9pm (GMT, UK only)
AstrobiologyOU’s Dr Vic Pearson and Dr Marjan Ajevski were academic consultants on the series.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
AstrobiologyOU’s Dr Vic Pearson and Dr Marjan Ajevski were academic consultants on the series.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Two - Once Upon a Time in Space
The human story of space exploration.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 5:09 PM
New 4 part documentary begins TONIGHT on BBC2/iPlayer at 9pm (GMT, UK only)
AstrobiologyOU’s Dr Vic Pearson and Dr Marjan Ajevski were academic consultants on the series.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
AstrobiologyOU’s Dr Vic Pearson and Dr Marjan Ajevski were academic consultants on the series.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Shout out to Rachael Hamp for her brilliant talk about Saturn’s moon Enceladus at today’s Bach, the Universe and Everything: icy moons.
She described Enceladus as a place that, at first glance, seems hostile yet is one of the most likely places in the solar system we’ll find extraterrestrial life
She described Enceladus as a place that, at first glance, seems hostile yet is one of the most likely places in the solar system we’ll find extraterrestrial life
October 26, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Shout out to Rachael Hamp for her brilliant talk about Saturn’s moon Enceladus at today’s Bach, the Universe and Everything: icy moons.
She described Enceladus as a place that, at first glance, seems hostile yet is one of the most likely places in the solar system we’ll find extraterrestrial life
She described Enceladus as a place that, at first glance, seems hostile yet is one of the most likely places in the solar system we’ll find extraterrestrial life
📣 Come and work with us!
FOUR PhD vacancies are now open in AstrobiologyOU for Oct 2026 start.
Funding is via the Central England NERC Training Alliance @centa.bsky.social
For details and how to apply see the project descriptions.
centa.ac.uk/projects/?_s...
FOUR PhD vacancies are now open in AstrobiologyOU for Oct 2026 start.
Funding is via the Central England NERC Training Alliance @centa.bsky.social
For details and how to apply see the project descriptions.
centa.ac.uk/projects/?_s...
Projects – CENTA
centa.ac.uk
October 24, 2025 at 5:24 PM
📣 Come and work with us!
FOUR PhD vacancies are now open in AstrobiologyOU for Oct 2026 start.
Funding is via the Central England NERC Training Alliance @centa.bsky.social
For details and how to apply see the project descriptions.
centa.ac.uk/projects/?_s...
FOUR PhD vacancies are now open in AstrobiologyOU for Oct 2026 start.
Funding is via the Central England NERC Training Alliance @centa.bsky.social
For details and how to apply see the project descriptions.
centa.ac.uk/projects/?_s...
We’re very proud to announce that our Director, Prof Karen Olsson-Francis, has been elected President of the European Astrobiology Network Association (EANA). She is the first British President of this prestigious network.
Congratulations Karen! 🎉
Congratulations Karen! 🎉
October 23, 2025 at 12:06 PM
We’re very proud to announce that our Director, Prof Karen Olsson-Francis, has been elected President of the European Astrobiology Network Association (EANA). She is the first British President of this prestigious network.
Congratulations Karen! 🎉
Congratulations Karen! 🎉
We are excited to have officially opened the new Icy Worlds Laboratory - a dedicated space to experimentally study ice formation using cryogenics for applications across the different icy bodies in our Solar System.
October 21, 2025 at 11:09 AM
We are excited to have officially opened the new Icy Worlds Laboratory - a dedicated space to experimentally study ice formation using cryogenics for applications across the different icy bodies in our Solar System.
🚨 New FREE course alert 🚨
Discover how scientists safeguard space missions, prevent biological contamination, and explore the ethical dimensions of exploring other worlds.
- No experience needed
- Free certificate
👉 bit.ly/PlanetaryProtectionCourse
#SpaceScience #PlanetaryProtection #FreeCourse
Discover how scientists safeguard space missions, prevent biological contamination, and explore the ethical dimensions of exploring other worlds.
- No experience needed
- Free certificate
👉 bit.ly/PlanetaryProtectionCourse
#SpaceScience #PlanetaryProtection #FreeCourse
October 9, 2025 at 11:24 AM
🚨 New FREE course alert 🚨
Discover how scientists safeguard space missions, prevent biological contamination, and explore the ethical dimensions of exploring other worlds.
- No experience needed
- Free certificate
👉 bit.ly/PlanetaryProtectionCourse
#SpaceScience #PlanetaryProtection #FreeCourse
Discover how scientists safeguard space missions, prevent biological contamination, and explore the ethical dimensions of exploring other worlds.
- No experience needed
- Free certificate
👉 bit.ly/PlanetaryProtectionCourse
#SpaceScience #PlanetaryProtection #FreeCourse
Today is National Poetry Day!
Here is a poem written by one of our former PhD students Dr Anushree Srivastava about her discovery of novel microbial species
You can find her blog on our website and you can listen to Anushree read her poem!
#SciencePoetry #NationalPoetryDay #ScienceMeetsArt
Here is a poem written by one of our former PhD students Dr Anushree Srivastava about her discovery of novel microbial species
You can find her blog on our website and you can listen to Anushree read her poem!
#SciencePoetry #NationalPoetryDay #ScienceMeetsArt
October 2, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Today is National Poetry Day!
Here is a poem written by one of our former PhD students Dr Anushree Srivastava about her discovery of novel microbial species
You can find her blog on our website and you can listen to Anushree read her poem!
#SciencePoetry #NationalPoetryDay #ScienceMeetsArt
Here is a poem written by one of our former PhD students Dr Anushree Srivastava about her discovery of novel microbial species
You can find her blog on our website and you can listen to Anushree read her poem!
#SciencePoetry #NationalPoetryDay #ScienceMeetsArt
October 1, 2025 at 10:44 AM
World Space Week 2025 is nearly here!
Explore space careers, planetary protection & astrobiology ethics through talks & on-demand content.
👉 stem.open.ac.uk/events
#WorldSpaceWeek #SpaceForAll #STEMEvents
Explore space careers, planetary protection & astrobiology ethics through talks & on-demand content.
👉 stem.open.ac.uk/events
#WorldSpaceWeek #SpaceForAll #STEMEvents
September 29, 2025 at 3:59 PM
World Space Week 2025 is nearly here!
Explore space careers, planetary protection & astrobiology ethics through talks & on-demand content.
👉 stem.open.ac.uk/events
#WorldSpaceWeek #SpaceForAll #STEMEvents
Explore space careers, planetary protection & astrobiology ethics through talks & on-demand content.
👉 stem.open.ac.uk/events
#WorldSpaceWeek #SpaceForAll #STEMEvents