Betül Kaçar Speaking Fee: $10,000 and Below

Dr. Betül Kaçar is a pioneering astrobiologist and molecular paleobiologist whose work bridges the ancient past and the possibilities of life beyond Earth. Born in Istanbul to a family from Turkey’s Black Sea region, she was the first woman in her family to receive formal education. Her early fascination with science led her to study chemistry at Marmara University. At 20, she moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomolecular Chemistry at Emory University, where her research focused on the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases. During her doctoral studies, Dr. Kaçar became captivated by fundamental questions about the origins of life. This curiosity propelled her into the field of astrobiology. She was awarded a NASA Astrobiology Postdoctoral Fellowship, allowing her to explore the evolutionary history of life through the lens of molecular biology. Her innovative approach involved resurrecting ancient genes within modern organisms to study their functions, effectively creating "molecular time machines" to investigate life's early evolution. Dr. Kaçar's academic journey includes positions at Harvard University and the University of Arizona, where she held dual appointments in astronomy and molecular biology. She currently serves as a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, directing the MUSE (Metal Utilization and Selection Across Eons) consortium, a NASA-funded research center focused on early life and evolution. Her work has garnered significant recognition, including the Stanley L. Miller Early Career Award and the NASA Early Career Fellowship. Beyond her research, Dr. Kaçar is committed to science communication and education. She co-founded SAGANet, an astrobiology outreach network that connects scientists with educators and students worldwide. As an advocate for gender equality in STEM, she has partnered with initiatives like the UN Women Generation Equality Campaign to promote education for girls and women globally. Dr. Kaçar's dedication to exploring life's origins and her efforts to make science accessible continue to inspire the next generation of scientists.