We would like to remind you about a few items that are important to the astrobiology community: 

Responses to the NASA request for information (RFI) entitled Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities in NASA Programs, Contracts and Grants, are requested on or before August 31, 2021. Early comments and responses are encouraged: 

For those who missed the NASA Astrobiology Program's Letter to the Astrobiology Community Concerning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access, it is available on our website: 

The NASA Astrobiology Program would like to reiterate our support and encouragement for the astrobiology community to consider a response to this RFI. You have a unique opportunity to provide guidance to the agency that can affect real and lasting changes to the ways in which science is funded and conducted at NASA. All thoughts, experiences, and perspectives are essential to this effort. Even if you feel you might be 'stating the obvious', or reiterating points that you expect to be considered already, we do hope that you will take the time to lend your voice to this RFI.

In July, a public meeting to discuss the RFI was held, and videos of all breakout sessions and topics are now available online in this YouTube playlist.

For more information on specific topics, visit the Mission Equity website:

NASA's Mission Equity is a comprehensive effort to assess expansion and modification of agency programs, procurements, grants, and policies, and examine what potential barriers and challenges exist for communities that are historically underrepresented and underserved.

Once again, we strongly encourage everyone involved in astrobiology to consider responding to the NASA Mission Equity RFI. We believe a robust response will help to strengthen our community and to improve the culture in which we practice science, paving the way for an even brighter future for all of astrobiology.