The NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Exobiology records document the research and work of the center; including administrative files, event and lecture materials, publications and grants, and site visit materials.
California Space Institute. NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Exobiology Records, 1969-2009 (bulk 1992-2003) (RSS 2300)
Extent: 3 Linear feet (3 record cartons), + 1.32 GB of digital files
Digital Content
This collection contain a digitized video and digital photographs. These can be viewed by searching the term "RSS 2300" on the UC San Diego Digital Collections website. In addition, the photographs are viewable directly through links in the container list.
In early 1990s, NASA's Life Sciences Division launched a NASA Specialized Centers of Research and Training (NSCORT) program with the goal of establishing and funding centers focused on different areas of science relevant to NASA's work. By 1991, NASA accepted a proposal from a consortium of scientists from UC San Diego, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, and The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). In January 1992, NSCORT in Exobiology was established as part of the California Space Institute and was administered through Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
The research conducted at the center focused on understanding the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. The program also supported undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral Fellows; maintained a visiting scholar's program; arranged seminars, lectures, and other events; and conducted public outreach and education, including curriculum support provided for Elementary and High School students. The work of the center and its scientists resulted in numerous research papers and articles. The NSCORT in Exobiology program was so popular that a second NSCORT program focusing on the origins of life was established in New York a few years later.
Prominent faculty included: Robert D. Tschirgi (Associate Director), William A. Baity (Associate Director), Gusaf Arrhenius, Leslie Orgel, Tony Keefe, and Gerald Newton.
Directors included: Stanley Miller (1992-1995) and Jeffery L. Bada (1995-2007).
The NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Exobiology records document the research and work of the center; including administrative files, event and lecture materials, publications and grants, and site visit materials.
Arranged in three series: 1) ADMINISTRATIVE FILES, 2) EVENTS, LECTURES, AND TALKS, and 3) GRANTS, PUBLICATIONS, AND REVIEWS