STAR 2027 Bootcamp

The WiCOR Summer Training in Astrobiology Research (STAR) 2027 Bootcamp is designed to provide an interdisciplinary introduction to the major research areas in Astrobiology and Origins Research. This week-long bootcamp will feature lectures from leading scientists on astronomy, planetary science, chemistry, and biology – see the full list of topics below!

Important Details

Dates: June 7-11, 2027 (Monday through Friday)
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM, daily
Schedule: Four 75 min lectures, one 75 min lunch (provided), and two 30 min snack breaks (provided)
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus
Topics & Experts: See Topics and Experts below
Course Credit: No Credits offered
Digital Badge: Participants who complete the assessment at the conclusion of the Bootcamp can earn a STAR Bootcamp digital badge.
Fee: TBD
Housing: more details to come

The STAR Bootcamp was incredibly insightful for learning from astrobiologists at the forefront of the field, and engaging with peers from a variety of different backgrounds that are all united in their curiosity towards life in the Universe.

2026 Attendee

The STAR Bootcamp gave me the unique opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary nature of origins research in an environment with other early-career scientists. Learning about cutting-edge ideas and fundamental theory helped expand my understanding of my own research impact and how it fits within the field as a whole.

2026 Attendee

Interested to Attend?

Complete the google form linked below to indicate your interest in applying to the STAR 2027 Bootcamp. We’ll contact you when the application is available.

Interest Form

This bootcamp synthesizes the knowledge and skills of a vast expanse of disciplines. We learned not only to draw connections between these fields but also to form connections with each other — the next generation of scientists. One of the lecturers mentioned something that really stuck with me: “Everything is impossible until suddenly it’s not.” In a research area as cutting-edge as astrobiology, this mindset is essential in guiding future research.

2026 Attendee

Topics*

Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Astronomy
- Star Formation & Astrochemistry
- Stellar Evolution
- Planet Formation
- Exoplanet Detection and Characterization
- Cosmogeochemistry and Asteroids
Earth Science in the context of Exoplanets
- Planetary Structure
- Atmospheres
- Oceans
- Chemical Cycles on Earth
- Early Chemical Traces of Life on Earth
Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology
- Chemical Processes for Life
- Intro to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Biological Evolution
- Prebiotic Chemistry
Origins Research
- Origins of Life on Earth
- Origins of Life: Genetics
- Origins of Life: Metabolism
- Possibilities for Life on Other Worlds

*session names may change as we finalize the schedule

Expert Presenters 2026**

alphabetical order by last name

** Presenters for 2027 are yet to be confirmed

I loved getting to learn from professors within each of the many fields encompassing “Origins of life.” Science is best when it is interdisciplinary and STAR really emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

2026 Attendee

Questions?

Email us at wicor@wisc.edu or call 608-262-4611

I love how engaging all the topics were, and I felt I learned so much about topics I don’t pursue that often, especially as a physics major. I really enjoyed the topics about evolution and biology and chemistry; despite having little background in each topic, I followed the content well and am interested in learning more about the topic and their role in searching for life on other planets.

The sessions had me thinking about possibilities and methods to learn more about life on other planets, and how it formed on Earth, and really showed the importance of interdisciplinary work and creative thinking to learn more about life on other planets, and our own.

2026 Attendee

Learn More about WiCOR

Thanks for your interest in the STAR Bootcamp. Follow the links to learn more about WiCOR Research and UW-Madison

WiCOR Research

UW-Madison