Social Structures of Science and Catalyzing Transformation in Origins of Life Research

The origin of life is one of science’s most profound unsolved mysteries. While the 21st century has subsequently brought significant conceptual advances in understanding life’s complexity and how the building blocks of life can be produced abiotically, we still cannot bridge the gap between non-living and living forms. The challenge is not just scientific: it is institutional. Key elements needed to solve this scientific puzzle exist in the form of theoretical frameworks, philosophical innovations, experimental techniques, and emerging technologies. But, pieces are scattered across different disciplines, institutions, and countries, preventing the deep integration necessary for breakthrough progress. The solution requires a new kind of research institution that can address the current challenges stymying progress. This meeting aims to bring together leading thinkers to develop not just a scientific roadmap for understanding life's origins, but also to design the institutional architecture necessary to implement this vision.