Network for Life Detection (NfoLD): The White Paper on Standards of Evidence in Life Detection

Dear Astrobiology Community,

In July, 2021 the Nexus for Exoplanet System Science (NExSS) and the Network for Life Detection (NfoLD) Research Coordination Networks hosted a community workshop on Biosignature Standards of Evidence. During this workshop, participants developed a generalized framework for biosignature detection and assessment, and discussed and identified best practices needed to develop a reporting protocol for potential biosignature detection. 

The participants have now completed a draft white paper report summarizing the workshop discussions and major findings. The white paper sections describe the motivation for community development of biosignature assessment and reporting protocols, a description of the generalized assessment framework, worked examples of how the framework could be applied for specific biosignatures and measurement techniques, a discussion of how the framework can be applied throughout a spaceflight mission life cycle, discussions on the reporting protocol development, and a summary of key takeaways and future work.

The workshop participants are now soliciting community comments and offering members of the scientific community the opportunity to co-sign the white paper at NfoLD.org/soe-endorsements

The comment period will close on November 10th. 

Sent on behalf of:
Vikki Meadows, Heather Graham, and the Biosignature Standards of Evidence Workshop Participants