The SETI Institute Drake Award - Honoring Victoria S. Meadows

The SETI Institute's Drake Award celebrates exemplary contributions to astrobiology through scientific research and space exploration. The award is named for Frank Drake, whose Drake Equation first identified the specific factors necessary for the emergence of life in the Universe and the evolution of technological civilizations. This honor is given at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the SETI Institute, based on nominations from its Science Advisory Board. This year's honoree, Victoria S. Meadows will be presented the Drake Award, and will offer a presentation about her work.

Victoria is a Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Astrobiology Graduate Program at the University of Washington. She also leads the interdisciplinary NASA Astrobiology Institute Virtual Planetary Laboratory. With the overarching goal to determine whether a distant extrasolar planet could or does support life, her research interests include the theoretical modeling of terrestrial planetary environments to understand their habitability, the generation and detectability of planetary biosignatures and their false positives, and solar system planetary observations.

Special guests will include Frank Drake, creator of the Drake Equation and first Chair of the SETI Institute Board of Trustees, Jill Tarter, SETI pioneer and co-founder of the SETI Institute and Bill Diamond, President and CEO of the SETI Institute.

6:00pm Public Reception
All attendees are invited to a hosted wine and cheese soiree in the atrium.

7:00pm The Drake Award Ceremony
With introductions from distinguished colleagues, and an engaging presentation by the Victoria Meadows, the evening's program will offer exciting insights as we continue to ask, "are we alone?"

8:30pm Dessert Reception
Following the program and award presentation, we invite all our guests to sample sweets and treats in the atrium.

9:00 Evening Concludes

This event is sponsored in part by SRI International.

Presented by SETI Institute