SETI League Press Release
Founded in 1960 and recognized by the United Nations in 1996, the IAA is an independent international community of leading experts committed to expanding the frontiers of space. Its 1200 members worldwide are devoted to fostering the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes, recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves in a branch of science or technology related to astronautics, and providing a program through which the membership can contribute to international endeavors in the advancement of aerospace science.
SETI is an acronym for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. The primary goal of the IAA Permanent SETI Committee is to examine all aspects of possible future contact with extraterrestrial civilizations, with special reference to international issues and activities. These aspects include technical efforts to find evidence for extraterrestrial intelligence, as well as the social consequences of such a discovery. In addition, the Committee promotes the interest and eventual involvement of students in its work, primarily through education initiatives, the Internet, and the mass media.
"I have known Claudio for many years," notes SETI League executive director emeritus H. Paul Shuch, "and have always been impressed by his energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. He has honed his skills in his years of service both to the Academy, and to the grass-roots SETI League. His fluency in many languages (including English, French, Italian, and Mathematics) is a definite asset. His leadership abilities will be crucial in moving our Committee forward." Shuch, who resides in the USA, was also elected to serve as Maccone's Vice-Chair, and volunteers as Webmaster for the Committee's public website, http://iaaseti.org. Both Maccone and Shuch are full members of the IAA.
In support of the Academy's advisory role to the United Nations, the Committee has for decades developed international protocols for activities to be undertaken in the event of verified extraterrestrial contact. One of Maccone's challenges will be to promote adoption by the IAA, and eventually the UN, of the Committee's most recent update to these post-detection protocols.
Largely using radio telescopes and optical telescopes, SETI scientists seek to determine whether humankind is alone in the universe. Since Congress terminated NASA's SETI funding in 1993, The SETI League and other scientific groups have privatized the research. Amateur and professional scientists interested in participating in the search for intelligent alien life, and citizens wishing to help support it, should email join_at_setileague_dot_org, check the SETI League Web site at http://www.setileague.org/, send a fax to +1 (201) 641-1771, or contact The SETI League, Inc. membership hotline at +1 (800) TAU-SETI. Be sure to provide us with a postal address to which we will mail further information. The SETI League, Inc. is a membership-supported, non-profit [501(c)(3)], educational and scientific corporation dedicated to the scientific Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence.
P.S. Tearsheets are always appreciated. Thank you.
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