Canary Global Foundation (CGF), in partnership with the University of San Francisco, has launched Life & Meaning in the Cosmos, a new interdisciplinary initiative within the Mission: Exoplanets program.
The program is implemented at USF, where it serves as a foundation for an emerging interdisciplinary educational model that connects scientific discovery with broader societal reflection. Designed as a modular and scalable framework, the program can expand across institutions, geographies, and formats, from university courses to global collaborative experiences.
The program integrates astronomy, data science, philosophy, ethics, and creative practice into a unified learning experience. It is delivered by an interdisciplinary team spanning science, engineering, humanities, and the arts, reflecting the complexity of modern scientific discovery.
A central component is direct engagement with real observational data. Participants work with exoplanet datasets and contribute to target selection for observation, with data acquired through the Two-Meter Twin Telescope (TTT) in Tenerife. This provides a rare opportunity to experience how scientific knowledge is constructed — from photon detection to analysis and interpretation.
Beyond scientific methods, the program examines how discovery is interpreted and communicated. Participants explore the distinction between measurable evidence and reconstructed or imagined representations — an increasingly important issue in the era of AI and data-driven science.
The program incorporates perspectives from Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental
ethics, and philosophical and theological inquiry, addressing fundamental questions such as how
humanity defines “life,” “neighbor,” and responsibility in a broader cosmic context.
Participants also engage with emerging tools including AI, immersive technologies, and creative approaches such as sonification, expanding how scientific knowledge can be explored and communicated.
The program culminates in a public-facing showcase where participants present scientific findings, conceptual explorations, and creative work. This creates a bridge between research, education, and public engagement, making discovery accessible to broader audiences.
Why this matters
The discovery of life beyond Earth would have profound scientific, cultural, and ethical implications. Preparing for that moment requires more than technical capability — it requires the ability to interpret, communicate, and responsibly integrate new knowledge into society.
This initiative positions CGF, together with USF, at the intersection of scientific discovery and societal readiness.
What’s next
CGF and USF will continue developing and expanding the program through academic courses, public engagement, and integration with ongoing observational and research activities.
As a modular and scalable initiative, Life & Meaning in the Cosmos is designed to extend beyond its initial implementation, enabling broader participation across institutions and global communities.
