California Space Institute. NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Exobiology Records, 1969-2009 (bulk 1992-2003)

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Summary

Creators:
California Space Institute
Abstract:
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.
Extent:
3 Linear feet (3 record cartons) and 1.32 GB of digital files
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

California Space Institute. NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Exobiology Records. RSS 2300. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.

Background

Scope and content:

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

Biographical / historical:

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).

Acquisition information:
Acquired 2010.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Original media formats are restricted. Viewing and listening copies may be available to researchers.

Terms of access:

Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.

Preferred citation:

California Space Institute. NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Exobiology Records. RSS 2300. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.

Location of this collection:
9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0175
La Jolla, CA 92093-0175, US
Contact:
(858) 534-2533
spcoll@ucsd.edu
Website