Dear Colleagues-

It is with great pleasure that I'd like to announce that applications for the 2015 Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) are now open.  AbGradCon provides a unique setting for graduate students and early-career researchers across a wide array of disciplines to come together to share their research, collaborate, and network, without the presence of senior researchers and PIs. AbGradCon 2015 marks the 11th year of this conference - each time in a different place and organized by a different group of students.

This year, the conference will be held at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin from July 19 - July 23.

Applications for presentations are accepted for any research which is astrobiologically-relevant.  In addition to the traditionally well-represented fields, previous years have seen presentations from educators, statisticians, and philosophers, all of which were well-received, and added to the diversity represented at our conference.  AbGradCon also offers a supportive environment free from the pressures of senior researchers, which makes it an ideal location for participants to practice their presentation skills with little stress.  

Thanks to generous funding from the NASA Astrobiology Institute, I'm happy to say that we expect to be able to fund ~70 participants from US institutions this year.  Funded participants receive a registration waiver, fully paid room and board, and a significant bursary to cover transportation.  Most participants have virtually no out-of-pocket expenses!

Our website (www.abgradcon.org) has all of the details, and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.  Please spread the word to any and all who might be interested!

Cheers,

Brett McGuire

Chair, Scientific Organizing Committee

P.S. Apologies if you have received this announcement more than once; it has been cross-posted on a number of lists.