A two-day workshop using NAI remote communications tools will be held on March 11 and 12, 2010 to present topics spanning the cosmic evolution of organic complexity, from small molecule formation in interstellar clouds to organic synthesis and inventories in protoplanetary disks, the solar nebula, and primitive bodies such as comets and asteroids in our solar system.

Organized by George Cody and Doug Whittet, PIs of the NAI’s Carnegie Institution of Washington and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute teams, a primary goal of the workshop is to foster new interdisciplinary collaborations across the community.

Session topics will include

  • Interstellar Dust and the Organic Inventory of Protostellar Envelopes
  • Organic Astrochemistry of Protoplanetary Disks
  • Laboratory Studies of analog ISM and outer Solar System Materials
  • Organics and Volatiles in Comets
  • Organic matter in Interplanetary Dust particles.
  • The Organic Inventory in Asteroids and Primitive Meteorites

The workshop is also an experiment in using the advanced communications capabilities of the NAI. Participants’ feedback will be to be used to shape future workshops without walls.

The workshop is open to all and will be accessible via internet browser. Details are on the NAI website.