Preparing humanity for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life: the SETI Post Detection Hub

John Elliott

doi:10.1017/S174392132400245X

Preparing humanity for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life: the SETI Post Detection Hub

John Elliott^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

Abstract

This paper introduces the SETI Post-Detection Hub, its origins, motivations, and initial undertakings, as well as the rationale for such an endeavour - to explore and develop thorough and integrated approaches in preparation for a potential discovery event in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Officially launched at the University of St Andrews in 2022, it brings together a highly multidisciplinary international team of experts.

From the outset, our rationale has been to weave together insights from diverse fields, including governance, impact strategies, analytics, and the humanities, with particular attention to the inclusion of all humanity’s cultural voices – a vital requirement to fully understand our challenge and its solutions. So, in preparation for the discovery of extraterrestrial life, the Hub will endeavour to grow readiness for complex futures by fostering a synergistic environment that encourages imaginative, methodical preparation, to stir transformative interdisciplinary and diverse engagement.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	(Toward) discovery of life beyond Earth and its impact
Editors	Hermine Landt, Martin Dominik, Carol Oliver
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Pages	266-277
Number of pages	12
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1017/S174392132400245X
Publication status	Published - 20 Jan 2026
Event	Kavli-IAU Symposium 387 - Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom Duration: 15 Apr 2024 → 19 Apr 2024 https://kavli-iau-2024.durham.ac.uk/wordpress/

Publication series

Name	Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Number	S387
Volume	20
ISSN (Print)	1743-9213
ISSN (Electronic)	1743-9221

Conference

Conference	Kavli-IAU Symposium 387
Abbreviated title	IAUS 387
Country/Territory	United Kingdom
City	Durham
Period	15/04/24 → 19/04/24
Internet address	https://kavli-iau-2024.durham.ac.uk/wordpress/

Keywords

Post-detection
SETI
Extraterrestrial
Life
Hub

Access to Document

10.1017/S174392132400245XLicence: CC BY

Elliott_2026_PIAU_Preparing-humanity-extra-terrestrial-life_CC
© The Author(s), 2026. This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited.
Final published version, 192 KBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

Elliott, J. (2026). Preparing humanity for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life: the SETI Post Detection Hub. In H. Landt, M. Dominik, & C. Oliver (Eds.), (Toward) discovery of life beyond Earth and its impact (pp. 266-277). (Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union; Vol. 20, No. S387). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/S174392132400245X

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abstract = "This paper introduces the SETI Post-Detection Hub, its origins, motivations, and initial undertakings, as well as the rationale for such an endeavour - to explore and develop thorough and integrated approaches in preparation for a potential discovery event in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Officially launched at the University of St Andrews in 2022, it brings together a highly multidisciplinary international team of experts. From the outset, our rationale has been to weave together insights from diverse fields, including governance, impact strategies, analytics, and the humanities, with particular attention to the inclusion of all humanity{\textquoteright}s cultural voices – a vital requirement to fully understand our challenge and its solutions. So, in preparation for the discovery of extraterrestrial life, the Hub will endeavour to grow readiness for complex futures by fostering a synergistic environment that encourages imaginative, methodical preparation, to stir transformative interdisciplinary and diverse engagement.",

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editor = "Hermine Landt and Martin Dominik and Carol Oliver",

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address = "United Kingdom",

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Elliott, J 2026, Preparing humanity for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life: the SETI Post Detection Hub. in H Landt, M Dominik & C Oliver (eds), (Toward) discovery of life beyond Earth and its impact. Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, no. S387, vol. 20, Cambridge University Press, pp. 266-277, Kavli-IAU Symposium 387, Durham, United Kingdom, 15/04/24. https://doi.org/10.1017/S174392132400245X

Preparing humanity for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life: the SETI Post Detection Hub. / Elliott, John.
(Toward) discovery of life beyond Earth and its impact. ed. / Hermine Landt; Martin Dominik; Carol Oliver. Cambridge University Press, 2026. p. 266-277 (Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union; Vol. 20, No. S387).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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Preparing humanity for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life: the SETI Post Detection Hub

Abstract

Publication series

Conference

Keywords

Access to Document

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Plurality in post detection scenarios

Cite this