Four experts gather to consider how life began, and how we define what it is. Sharing current research and exploring the impact of examining the topic through different disciplinary and intercultural lenses, the group discusses life on Mars, life which exists on Earth in extremely hostile conditions, microbial evolution, and the significance of matauranga Māori. This lively discussion recorded at the University of Auckland is hosted by Kim Hill.

About the speakers

Prof. Maria-Paz Zorzano from the Astrobiology Center of the National Institute of Aerospace Technology is leading a Mars atmospheric measurements project to help us understand the changing Martian climate. Once, we know, it had a thicker atmosphere, running water and active volcanoes.

Prof. Kathy Campbell is an astrobiologist from the University of Auckland’s School of Environment and Te Ao Mārama, the Centre for Fundamental Inquiry whose research explores some of most inhospitable places on Earth to help us understand equally inhospitable environments on other planets.

Dr Heather Hendrickson from Massey University is a research scientist studying microbial evolution and organisms that lie at the borderline between complex chemistry and life.

Dr Dan Hikuroa (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui, Te Arawa) from the University of Auckland is an Earth Systems Scientist who is a leading expert on integrating mātauranga Māori and science.

This session was recorded by RNZ in association with the University of Auckland