Dr. Andreas Schwarz, a communication scientist at the Technical University of Ilmenau, has been invited to join Task Force 2 of NASA’s “Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES).” The U.S. space agency is developing a strategic roadmap for the next ten years to explore the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. The working group in which Dr. Andreas Schwarz participates contributes various social science perspectives that are significant for the responsible communication of complex scientific findings from space research and the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life to the public.

In German, NASA-DARES stands for: “Ten-Year Strategy for Astrobiology Research and Exploration”—though the acronym “DARES” was likely not chosen by chance: when pronounced, it roughly translates to “NASA dares.” And indeed, the task the U.S. space agency is pursuing with NASA-DARES is a major one: a comprehensive astrobiology strategy. Building on the 2015 Astrobiology Strategy, the goal is to highlight current scientific advances in the research and exploration of space and the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life.

With his invitation to join Task Force 2 of NASA-DARES, which began its work in early February 2026, Dr. Andreas Schwarz prevailed in a rigorous selection process. In doing so, NASA recognizes his expertise as head of the International Research Group on Risk, Crisis, and Science Communication at the Institute for Media and Communication Studies at the Technical University of Ilmenau. In the new working group, Dr. Schwarz will focus on “Focus Area 9: Astrobiology and Society,” Dr. Schwarz will contribute aspects of risk and science communication to what NASA describes as its non-consensus-oriented NASA-DARES strategic plan. Communication in this field faces the challenge of responsibly conveying the complex scientific findings of space research and the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life, along with their implications for society. Dr. Schwarz will contribute scientific insights and best-practice guidelines for effectively communicating astrobiological discoveries by NASA and the international research community.

Drawing on his expertise in science and risk communication, Dr. Andreas Schwarz will facilitate a series of webinars and public discussions to foster engagement within the astrobiology community. Based on these contributions, the working group is developing a strategic plan that deliberately combines different scientific perspectives and goals to reflect the full spectrum of astrobiology at NASA and beyond—NASA refers to this as the “non-consensus” concept. Dr. Schwarz’s work in the NASA task force will help shape the communication of astrobiological discoveries to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public worldwide.

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