We are pleased to announce the Spring 2018 Meeting of the APS New England Section. The meeting will be held March 16-17, 2018 at Suffolk University in Boston, MA.

Theme: Physics leading frontiers in Planetary Science and Astrobiology

The 2018 APS New England Section meeting will have a special inaugural session of invited talks focused on the theme: Physics leading frontiers in Planetary Science and Astrobiology.

With new discoveries of exoplanets and in biophysics, our understanding of principles behind life processes in the universe is rapidly changing. Crucial questions about planetary systems ranging from the abundance of elements like carbon, to the emergence of life, have so far been based on observations and models from Earth. However, new discoveries and reevaluation of physical constraints to life has opened new frontiers for scientific exploration. This includes recent advances in astrophysical techniques that lead to discovery of new worlds, development of new biophysical techniques to learn about life in extremes, novel methods to recognize bio-signatures, and the science behind planetary habitability. We focus on Physics based topics related to astrophysics and biology that include some relation to planetary habitability.

We invite contributions for oral and poster sessions on all physics topics. Contributions from undergraduate and graduate students are particularly encouraged. A stipend of up to $300 is available to cover registration and travel expenses for students presenting at the meeting.

Invited Speakers (list will be updated):

Prof. Sara Seager – MIT, Planetary Science and Physics

Dr. Juan Perez-Mercader – Harvard University, Origins of Life Initiative, Founder and former Director of the Centro de Astrobiologia

Dr. Jane Luu – MIT Lincoln Labs; Winner of the 2012 Kavli Prize and the 2012 Shaw Prize

Dr. Enric Palle – Head of Research Division, Instituto de Astrofisica de Canaries, Tenerife

Local organizing committee:
Anurag Sharma
Prashant Sharma