Descriptive Summary
Scope and Content of Collection
Administrative History
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Publication Rights
Related Materials
Restrictions
Descriptive Summary
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla 92093-0175
Title: California Space Institute. NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Exobiology Records
Creator:
California Space Institute
Identifier/Call Number: RSS 2300
Physical Description:
3 Linear feet
(3 record cartons)
Physical Description:
1.32 GB
of digital files
Date (inclusive): 1969-2009 (bulk 1992-2003)
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.
Languages:
English
.
Scope and Content of Collection
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
Administrative History
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).
Preferred Citation
California Space Institute. NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Exobiology Records. RSS 2300. Special
Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Acquisition Information
Acquired 2010.
Publication Rights
Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.
Related Materials
Stanley Miller Papers, MSS 642. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Robert Tschirgi Papers, MSS 439. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Leslie Orgel Papers, MSS 176. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Gustaf Arrhenius papers , SMC 128. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Restrictions
Original media formats are restricted. Viewing and listening copies may be available to researchers.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
California Space Institute -- Archives
California Space Institute