The UK's first Centre for Astrobiology will open its doors next week.
The centre in Cardiff is a joint initiative between Cardiff University and the University of Wales College of Medicine.
The astrobiology centre will combine research interests in astronomy and molecular cell biology to look at the emergence and development of life in the cosmos and to conduct research in space medicine. Initial research will seek evidence of biomolecules and cells in the upper atmosphere, in comets and in interstellar dust; evidence for the existence of life molecules and processes in material from space; and study how space conditions affect living systems.