31 October, 2024 | David Flannery, QUT
What can the rocks on Mars tell us?
QUT space scientist and geologist David Flannery's research dives into the earliest records of life on Earth and the non-living elements of our planet's crust and atmosphere. He passionately explores habitable environments and the thrilling possibility of life beyond our world.
Among the profound questions he tackles is, "Does life exist beyond Earth?" This quest unites us across cultural and political divides, offering a shared thread of hope as we seek understanding.
David's groundbreaking work often catalyses technological advancements that enrich life on Earth. He collaborates closely with NASA, actively engaging in the operations node at QUT, where he occasionally takes the helm in steering the Perseverance rover. His efforts also span developing software for a global scientific team dedicated to analysing the invaluable data sent back by the rover.
In this exhilarating era of exploration, David believes that humanity may, within his lifetime, uncover evidence of life beyond our planet for the very first time.
Watch 'Does life exist beyond Earth?'
Alongside his extraordinary research efforts, David teaches in the Earth Science major of QUT's Bachelor of Science and supervises higher-degree research students in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.