Interdisciplinary pathways to understand life in the universe: the Research and Innovation Support Center in Astrobiology and the Astrobiology Laboratory at USP

• Grant number: 25/06229-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Journalism
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Communications - Journalism and Publishing
• Principal Investigator: Douglas Galante
• Grantee: Danilo Nogueira Albergaria Pereira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Coordenadoria de Centros e Núcleos Disciplinares (COCEN). Núcleo de Desenvolvimento da Criatividade (NUDECRI), Brazil

Abstract

Astrobiology is the interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe. The Astrobiology Research and Innovation Unity (NAPI/Astrobio) and the Astrobiology Laboratory (AstroLab) at USP are national benchmarks in the field. Communicating astrobiology can foster public engagement with science and attract young students to scientific careers, but journalistic coverage of the field has been generating hype, which risks the credibility of research institutions. Astrobiology outreach efforts in Brazil remains underfunded and lack dedicated professionals. This project aims to bridge that gap by producing science journalism about the research produced under NAPI/Astrobio and at AstroLab, science communication materials (including multimedia content) and supporting researchers in outreach efforts. In addition to the communication of research results, the project aims to foster public understanding of science-in-the-making, the process of constructing knowledge in astrobiology in Brazil. (AU)