The second STFC postgraduate summer school in Astrobiology: 6th - 11th Sept. 2009 The finalised programme is available here. Further information is available here, and a campus map is available here. Organising committee: Prof. Mark Burchell (Professor of Space Science, Course director), Prof. Michael Smith (Professor of Astronomy) Dr. Mark Price (STFC supported PDRA in planetary science). Course administrators: TBD. External speakers to include: Prof. Charles Cockell (The Open University) Dr. Ian Crawford (Birkbeck College, London) Dr. Terry Kee (Leeds) Dr. Lewis Dartnell (UCL) Dr. Penny Wozniakiewicz (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) Potential applicants should contact: Professor Mark J. Burchell, Centre of Astrophysics and Planetary Science, School of Physical Sciences , Ingram Building , University of Kent , Canterbury , Kent CT2 7NH . Phone: 01227 823248 Email: M.J.Burchell [AT] kent.ac.uk Summary: The University of Kent (http://www.kent.ac.uk) has funding (awarded by STFC, with sponsorship from the Astrobiology Society of Britain) for an Astrobiology summer school for 30 postgraduate students (as part of the Aurora initiative). The school would be held in early September 2009 with arrival on Sunday Sept. 6th and departure on the afternoon of Friday 11th Sept. The summer school is aimed primarily at astronomy, planetary science and space science PhD students. As well as postgraduates, we welcome applications from STFC supported engineers or PDRAs, especially those involved with ExoMars or Aurora activities. The school is free for all STFC funded applicants (PhD and PDRAs, including UK travel and accommodation) and partial scholarships are available for other research council/self-funded students. Numbers are strictly limited to 30 places. We also welcome applications from outside the UK, and some limited support may be available. Please contact Prof. Mark Burchell for details. To apply: e-mail Prof. Burchell (m.j.burchell [AT] kent.ac.uk) and include your name, affiliation, dietary requirements and any other special needs. Closing date: 15th August 2009 (late applications may be accepted if spaces are still available). Location of lectures, practical sessions etc. These will be held within the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Kent. Maps and directions can be found here. Social Outing This will be a team building social event to break up the week and let off steam, and would be held off campus (venue TBD) Accommodation This will be on campus in en-suite rooms and will be booked by the organisers. Meals: all on campus All meals, including the formal dinner, will be catered for by the University Hospitality service. Please let us know as soon as possible about any special dietary requirements. Ice-breaker reception (Sunday evening) Breakfast: every day Monday - Friday Lunch: every day Monday - Friday Evening meal: Monday - Wednesday Formal dinner: Wednesday Evening . New PhD students are also encouraged to read about the STFC Introductory Summer School in Astronomy 2009.