How the search for extraterrestrial life can make us better people | Dr. Graham Lau | TEDxBoulder

The search for life beyond Earth is not just an exploration of distant worlds, but a profound investigation into the nature of existence itself. By probing the origins of life, studying extreme environments on our own planet, and scanning the skies for signs of extraterrestrial civilizations, astrobiology forces us to confront fundamental questions: What is life, and what does it mean to be alive? How did life emerge, and are we alone in the universe? These inquiries transcend the realms of science and science fiction while shaping our understanding of ourselves, urging us to think on cosmic scales and inspiring us to act with greater responsibility toward each other and our planet. The beauty of this quest lies in its ability to blend awe and science, compelling us to expand our imagination while also facing the challenges of our own civilization. This search may not only reveal whether we have some alien neighbors out there in the cosmos but also help us see our own world—and our place in it—more clearly. Dr. Graham Lau is an astrobiologist, science communicator, and storyteller. Holding extensive academic knowledge in biology, chemistry, astrophysics, and geology, he specializes in scientific and conceptual issues in understanding what life is and searching for life beyond Earth. As the host of the NASA-funded "Ask an Astrobiologist" livestream show, he illuminates the intriguing field of astrobiology for a broad global audience and regularly guides students pursuing careers in space exploration.

In his current role, Dr. Lau serves as the Director of Communications and Marketing for Blue Marble Space, a US-based international non-profit that promotes cooperative exploration of space, examines life as a planetary process, and enables a sustainable future on Earth. Additionally, Graham actively contributes to scientific progress as a Senior Research Investigator with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and serves as the Director of the institute's globally recognized Young Scientist Program internship. Dr. Lau also leads student trips for Smithsonian Student Travel and National Geographic Student Expeditions, as well as overseeing logistics for the University Rover Challenge, an undergraduate robotics competition centered on Mars rovers.

Dr. Lau's passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond the field of astrobiology. He has inspired students worldwide through public lectures, podcast interviews, and his compelling perspectives on our cosmic significance, the Overview Effect, and the future of civilization. Beyond his scientific pursuits, Dr. Lau imparts wisdom as a meditation instructor and cultivates confident speakers as a public speaking coach. His diverse expertise underlines his commitment to education, personal growth, and our shared exploration of our place within the cosmos. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx