Life in the Universe 2024
Combining topical work on the search for extraterrestrial life with research into the origins and evolution of life, cognition and technology on Earth.
Registration for in-person attendance has now closed, but we are still accepting registrations for online participation below:
Leading researchers will review key aspects of the search for life in the Solar System and the Universe, as well as microbial life on Earth and the evolution of hominids and intelligence. The conference also celebrates the centennial of the discovery of the Taung child fossil skull in South Africa and the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the Lucy fossil in East Africa - seminal discoveries confirming Africa as the cradle of humankind.
For the first time, LITU will be held in person, with online attendance available in a hybrid format.
Cape Town International Convention Center
5 August 2024
Background data source: https://data.apps.fao.org
Inspired by: https://milanjanosov.substack.com/p/river-maps-in-python-tutorial
Programme
Download the full programme here. Topics include:
Solar System Missions
Linking the search for life in the universe with the effort to understand the origin and evolution of life on Earth
Technosignatures
The evolution of intelligence: brain size, language and other matters
Climates of Exoplanets
Chemolithotrophic life in the deep subsurface
Previous talks are available online here.
The conference dinner will be held at Tintswalo Atlantic on Monday, 5 August.
Venue and Activities
Venue: Room 2.64 - 2.66, Cape Town International Convention Center
Meeting: The full day of Monday, 5th August (both hybrid and in-person attendance are welcomed)
Conference Dinner: Monday evening, 5th August at Tintswalo Atlantic (coach transport will be provided).
Iziko Museum tour: Sign up for a visit to the Humanity exhibition (Tuesday, 6th August, 10:30-11:30 am)
African Drumshow: There will be a traditional African Drumshow by Drumstruck at Iziko Museum (11:30-12:30 in the Whale Room)
Organisers
SOC:
Bernie Fanaroff, FRS
Andrew Siemion, Director, Breakthrough Listen
Kimberleigh Tommy, PAST
Robert Blumenschine, PAST
Mike Garrett, FRS, University of Manchester
David DeBoer, Breakthrough Listen
Daniel Czech, Breakthrough Listen
Charles Takalani, AfAS
LOC:
Bernie Fanaroff, FRS
Ashling Gordon, University of Oxford
Daniel Czech, Breakthrough Listen
David DeBoer, Breakthrough Listen
Charles Takalani, AfAS
Kimberleigh Tommy, PAST
Kevin Govender, AfAS