Chemical Origins of Life as We Don't Know It

Rick Remsing — rick.remsing@rutgers.edu

Martin Rahm — martin.rahm@chalmers.se

This Telluride Science & Innovation Center workshop will bring together cross-disciplinary experts interested in condensed phase prebiotic chemistry in non-Earth-like planetary environments - the potential chemistries governing life as we don't know it.

This workshop aims to identify specific directions, principles, and methodological developments needed for future investigations of condensed-phase chemistry potentially relevant to life as we do not know it. Studying such hypothetical processes presents significant methodological challenges in both experimentation and theory. A key objective is to foster connections between scientists studying radically different yet astrobiologically significant planetary environments, such as Titan and Venus. The workshop will facilitate discussions on how the budding field of computational astrobiology can be developed, with a particular emphasis on how computational can be used to address specific chemical questions that are testable through experimentation or observation. Participants will help formulate and explore critical questions surrounding the identification and investigation of signatures of alternative biochemistries. For instance: "What properties might alternative biomolecules possess to fulfill essential life functions in different environments?" and more broadly, "Given the speculative nature of astrobiology, what qualifies as a scientifically valid question?"

We wish to ensure an intimate workshop setting, with no more than 20 to 25 participants. If you are interested in attending but have not received an invitation, please contact the workshop organizer before registering.

Sessions typically run mornings and late afternoons, leaving mid-day free for informal collaboration.

Travel to Telluride can be expensive; please assess your own potential travel costs before registering.

Please book your travel plans! The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the most reliable and convenient airport for Telluride.

Telluride Science can provide lodging starting as low as $215/night during off-peak weeks and as low as $250/night during peak-season at the Mountainside Inn. These affordable lodging options are limited and available first-come, first-serve. To encourage participants to secure affordable lodging, we offer a $100 discount on lodging provided through Telluride Science that is secured before the Early Bird deadline. Additionally, we work with many lodging providers in Telluride and Mountain Village to offer discounts between 10-15% off your total lodging balance. Additional information provided with registration.

If you have more questions about lodging, reach out to Sara at sara@telluridescience.org.

Registrations may be refunded less a $25 cancellation fee. If cancelled before the lodging cancellation deadline, lodging payments are refundable less a $100 cancellation fee. It is each participant's responsibility to confirm and understand their own lodging cancellation deadline. Travel insurance is highly recommended.