The Mars Society is pleased to announce that renowned astro-biochemist Dr. Steven Benner will deliver a plenary talk at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles.

During his presentation, Dr. Benner will discuss his provocative new book, Meet the Neighbors, which revisits NASA’s Viking missions and argues that the only spacecraft ever sent specifically to search for extant Martian life may actually have detected it.

Drawing on decades of research and access to Viking-era archives, Dr. Benner explores why the mission’s results were interpreted as negative, how the search for present-day life on Mars was sidelined for decades, and why scientists should once again focus on direct life detection. He will also outline practical strategies for exploring potential Martian “refugia,” including caves, subsurface ice, and salt deposits where microbial life could survive today.

In addition to his plenary address, Dr. Benner will also participate in a book signing session during the convention, where attendees will have an opportunity to meet him and purchase signed copies of Meet the Neighbors.

The 2026 International Mars Society Convention will bring together leading scientists, engineers, astronauts, students, and space advocates from around the world for three days of public talks, panel discussions, and networking focused on the future of Mars exploration and settlement.

For additional details about the international convention this October, including registration information, please visit convention.marssociety.org.