Technical programme

A4. 55th IAA SYMPOSIUM ON THE SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE (SETI) – The Next Steps

Organised by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), this symposium brings together scientists, engineers, and thinkers from across the globe to tackle one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe? The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) combines cutting-edge science and technology with deep interdisciplinary inquiry. Researchers are combing through huge astronomical datasets for anomalies — “technosignatures” — that could point to the presence of advanced civilisations in our Galaxy and beyond. This search spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum and employs some of the world’s most powerful telescopes, alongside innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, to uncover subtle signals that might otherwise be missed. But SETI is more than a technical quest. It challenges us to consider the social and cultural implications of detection: What is best practice in conducting the search? How would humanity respond? What might it mean for our art, language, education, laws, politics, media, and even our psychology? From risk communication to public outreach, the symposium draws on a rich tapestry of disciplines to explore the profound impact of discovering we are not alone.