What life might exist in outer space and what do we do if we find it?

Students will be enrolled in either the Natural Resources Management or Social Sciences masters’ programme at the University of Akureyri. Selected candidates will be supported by the supervision team in their application but are encouraged to review eligibility criteria here.

Candidates will have the opportunity to develop and define their project in collaboration with a supervision team working on these topics in the context of astrobiology and international politics. Interested applicants are invited to send a short expression of interest, up to 500 words outlining the focus of their project and how it will address these two fields and questions below.

Significant research has been conducted on the management and distribution of non-organic natural resources in outer space from asteroid mining, geoengineering, or other activity, focused on pathways to securing equitable distribution of resources that may soon become accessible. The aim of this project is to extend and develop these debates in relation to organic resources, in terms of what might exist in outer space, and what we might do if we find it.

• What are the kinds of life that might exist on other planetary bodies? And what unique challenges arise for its management and conservation if we encounter it?
• What existing models and agreements are in place to manage the discovery of life in outer space (e.g., NASA Planetary Protection, COSPAR etc.)?
• What can we learn from terrestrial agreements on natural resource conservation, management, and exploitation for natural resources management in outer space?
• In what ways might we establish equitable arrangements for the management and distribution of gains from future access to natural resources in outer space?

Examples of research to be conducted may include analysis and evaluation of treaties and agreements, observation and participation in relevant organisational meetings (e.g., IMWEG, ESA, or other relevant organisations), field trips to planetary analogues in and outside Iceland.

Please send your expression of interest and CV to adamf@unak.is by 31 January 2026.

Lead supervisors are Dr. Adam Fishwick and Dr. Oddur Þór Vilhemsson at the University of Akureyri, with support provided by the Icelandic Research Institute of Space Science (IRISS).

The student and supervision team will be supported by a wider thesis committee comprised of additional expertise in both fields and from industry experts in Iceland, including Daniel Leeb, Director of the Iceland Space Agency and IRISS. Funds are available to cover research expenses for the project, including fieldwork, conference attendance, and thesis committee meetings.