SETI Institute

The SETI Institute is a not-for-profit research organization whose mission is to explore, understand, and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe, and to apply the knowledge gained to inspire and guide present and future generations. It aims for discovery and for sharing knowledge as scientific ambassadors to the public, the press, and the government. SETI stands for the "search for extraterrestrial intelligence". The Institute consists of three primary centers: The Carl Sagan Center, devoted to the study of life in the universe, the Center for Education, focused on astronomy, astrobiology and space science for students and educators, and the Center for Public Outreach, producing "Big Picture Science," the Institute's general science radio show and podcast, and "SETI Talks" weekly colloquium series.

The Carl Sagan Center, is named in honor of Carl Sagan, former trustee of the Institute, astronomer, prolific author and host of the original "Cosmos" television series. The Carl Sagan Center is home to over 80 scientists and researchers organized around 6 Research Thrusts: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Exoplanets, Planetary Exploration, Climate and Geoscience, Astrobiology and SETI. Guided by the astrobiology roadmap charted by the Drake Equation, the scientists of the Carl Sagan Center endeavor to understand the nature and proliferation of life in the universe and the transitions from physics to chemistry, chemistry to biology and biology to philosophy. Most of the research undertaken within the Carl Sagan Center is funded by grants from NASA, while SETI endeavors are funded exclusively by private philanthropy. The Institute's SETI Researchers use both radio and optical telescope systems to search for deliberate signals from technologically advanced extraterrestrial civilizations.

The Center for Education promotes STEM education through NASA and NSF-funded programs aimed at teaching and inspiring children, young adults and educators in physical sciences with emphasis on astronomy and astrobiology. The efforts of the Center for Education are central to the Institute's mission of sharing knowledge as scientific ambassadors to the public. The Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program brings the excitement of hands-on research to middle and high school teachers throughout the United States. Selected science educators take a crash-course in astronomy and experience two sorties on the SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) modified 747 aircraft, operated by NASA and the German Space Agency. The excitement of this "science-in-action" experience is brought back to their school districts and classrooms, promoting interest STEM learning. In 2016, the Institute received a 5-year grant from NASA for an Institute-conceived STEM program for the Girl Scouts of America. In partnership with the University of Arizona, the Girl Scouts of Northern California and the Girl Scouts of America, the SETI Institute launched "Reaching for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts." This landmark project will develop a new series of merit badges based on a STEM curriculum for girls aged 5 to 18. The program will ultimately reach hundreds of thousands of girls and open new doors for both educational and career pursuits in the sciences. Funded by the National Science Foundation, SETI Institute operates a compelling and highly competitive summer internship program for college students. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) is an intensive 8-week summer internship that pairs students with Institute mentor/scientists. Each year 10 to 12 interns studying physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, astrophysics and related disciplines, work with SETI scientists where they contribute to ongoing research and experience the life of a research scientist.

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