Activity Report

SETI Institute Achievements: Q2 2026

During the second quarter of 2026, the SETI Institute was especially active and made strong progress in research, education, outreach, and public engagement. Our scientists published over 80 peer-reviewed papers in fields such as SETI, astrobiology, planetary science, exoplanets, and heliophysics.

Some key achievements were a new $5.7 million NASA cooperative agreement to support TESS and other NASA science projects, $1 million in STRIDE awards for research and public engagement, and the appointment of a new Mino Fellow and two Drake Fellows. Our scientists also shared their work with wider audiences through media coverage of the search for technosignatures from interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, as well as talks, educational programs, and events worldwide.

These examples showcase the variety of work happening at the Institute and show how our scientists, educators, and collaborators are advancing our mission.