Curtin University Dubai hosted the second edition of the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Speaker Series, inviting students, academics, and the wider community to explore a thought-provoking session with Professor Martin Van Kranendonk, Head of School – Earth & Planetary Sciences and Dean of Science at Curtin University.
The event built upon the success of the inaugural session, which welcomed His Excellency Professor Dr Abdallah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council and former UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment. Together, these sessions demonstrate Curtin Dubai’s commitment to creating platforms where the community can engage with leading thinkers and global policymakers.
The session with Prof Kranendonk focused on a fundamental question of modern science: Did life ever exist on Mars? In his lecture, “The Search for Life on Mars: A New Approach,” Professor Van Kranendonk uncovered how studying the earliest environments on Earth provides a blueprint for understanding where and how to look for signs of life on other planets.
Professor Van Kranendonk explained that by investigating Earth’s oldest rocks and the traces of microbial life they contain, researchers can uncover the specific conditions that allow life to form. These discoveries act as catalysts for scientific discovery when searching for similar biosignatures on Mars.
During the session, the distinguished speaker introduced the ‘LifeSpringsMars’ (LSM) initiative – a Western Australian-led, international mission concept. The project proposes precision robotic landings in Mars’ Columbia Hills to conduct in-situ analyses of hot spring deposits. This presentation demonstrated how geology, chemistry, and space science unite to deepen our understanding of planetary environments.
The session welcomed high school students from across the UAE alongside the Curtin Dubai cohort, creating a vibrant learning environment where curiosity extended beyond the textbooks. Students actively participated in the dialogue, navigating complex topics such as the technical challenges of studying other planets and the future of life beyond Earth. As the UAE advances its national ambitions in space exploration, these conversations play a critical role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The Distinguished Speaker Series embody the spirit of curiosity and excellence that defines Curtin. By welcoming leading researchers and engaging the wider community, Curtin Dubai continues to develop the leadership and scientific thinking required to drive global progress and make tomorrow better.
For updates on upcoming talks and events, visit curtindubai.ac.ae/events.
