Where can we find possible life precursors in the Universe?

Astrobiology suggests a number of possible life precursor molecules that could map out signs of life in the Universe. Identifying where those molecules could be synthesised remains an exciting Grand Challenge. Possible locations may be ice-covered interstellar dust grains, exoplanet atmospheres or other specific zones in the interstellar medium. This project will combine our expertise in modelling icy dust grains and chemical reactions on their surface with self-consistent galactic evolution models. This new combination of disciplines (chemistry, mathematical modelling, and astrophysics) will enable us, for the first time, to identify plausible locations for the precursors of life throughout the Universe.