The new Scottish Universities Physics Alliance has an initiative in
astrobiology, emerging from our exo-planet discoveries. By combining
skills in astronomy, astrochemistry and computer simulation, we are
investigated in broader problems on habitats for life in the Universe. I
will discuss three research examples: how to stick interstellar
particles together to make planets, how to observe planets growing
around young stars, and the search for chemical signatures of life in
the Solar System. For more work and collaborative discussion, you are
warmly invited to our Workshop on Oct 8-10 2008 in Edinburgh, entitled
Habitability in our Galaxy.