Nathalie Cabrol

And it also, in my mind, was the very first astrobiology institute because we have this multidisciplinary approach.

where I can bring many of the scientists from different domains and disciplines to think about the question.

And as you know, discoveries happen at the nexus of disciplines.

And it's really a privilege when you are in an institute like that.

The image that is associated with a scientist is the person with the white coat in the lab.

In fact, a number of us at the Institute are athletes doing extremes, what would be considered extreme stuff.

And I mean, it's fun.

It's a little dangerous too, but it's to get data and more knowledge.

So there are so many stories.

So the first one associated to the search for life, understanding, was in 2002, where I started climbing those high volcanoes in the Andes that are 20,000 footers.

The view out there is just beautiful.

So remember when we were talking about how do I understand how I search for life on Mars?

This is how it started for me.

And then I looked at environment, in my head started going through the environments on Earth that would be good analysis.

And then you only have a few.

And the Andes in that case are some of the best in the world.

just because of the aridity of the place.

And the higher you go, the least atmosphere you have, the more UV radiation you have.

And the Andes are volcanic, hydrothermal, plus you have the climate change that's coming, you have evaporation.

It's a picture of Mars 3.5 billion years ago.