One of the world’s foremost astrobiologists and planetary scientists, Dr. Nathalie Cabrol, will join an outstanding lineup of speakers at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles.

Dr. Cabrol serves as Director of the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe at the SETI Institute, where she leads pioneering research in astrobiology and helps shape exploration strategies for Mars, Titan, and the icy moons of the outer Solar System. A veteran of numerous NASA science initiatives, she played a key role in advocating for Gusev Crater as the landing site for NASA’s Spirit rover and has spent decades studying Earth’s most extreme environments to better understand where life may have once existed on ancient Mars.

During the convention, Dr. Cabrol will take part in a special interactive Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with one of the world’s leading experts on the search for life beyond Earth. Joined by a moderator and audience participants, she will discuss the latest discoveries in Mars exploration, planetary habitability, astrobiology, and the scientific advances driving humanity’s search for life elsewhere in the universe.

Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, student, or simply passionate about space exploration, this promises to be one of the convention’s most thought-provoking sessions.

Join us this October at USC for this unique opportunity to hear from one of today’s most influential voices in planetary science and the search for life beyond Earth. For full info, including how to register online, visit our website (marssociety.org).