The primary research efforts of the Science Directorate are in the new multi-disciplinary field of astrobiology -- the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and destiny of life in the universe.

NASA Astrobiology Portal
This website provides a portal to NASA astrobiology, including technical and programmatic elements, summaries of science results and recent developments, and links to other astrobiology websites.

NASA Astrobiology Institute
The NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) is an international research organization consisting of 16 teams in the United States and several non-US associates, devoted to the study of life in the universe. This "virtual organization" is supported by NASA and has its headquarters at Ames Research Center. It is not part of the Science Directorate, but shares many scientific interests with the Directorate.