Betül Kaçar

Scientist, evolutionary biologist, astrobiologist

Betül Kaçar studies the foundations of life on Earth to understand the potential for life in space.

Why you should listen

Dr. Betül Kaçar is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she leads a NASA-funded astrobiology research center and her own molecular paleobiology laboratory. Across research endeavors, Kaçar explores fundamental questions about how life originated and evolved on Earth and how we find life beyond our solar system. She partnered with UN Women to expand representation in STEM globally. Asteroid 284919 Kaçar, discovered by astronomers using the NASA WISE space telescope, was named in her honor.

Betül Kaçar’s TED talk

10:51

Betül Kaçar

We could kick-start life on another planet. Should we?

Posted Apr 2022

More news and ideas from Betül Kaçar

Live from TEDMonterey

Up, up and away: Notes from Session 8 of TEDMonterey

August 4, 2021

TEDMonterey’s final session brought with it a reflection of the magic and generosity of spirit that grew with each talk throughout the week. In a town hall-style discussion, gratitude flooded the stage as attendees took to the spotlight to share which ideas from the conference inspired them most and how they plan to bring a […]