Even though I am at ELSI and try to attend most events and seminars, I really did not know what to expect from the ELSI Symposium since I was unable to attend the first one last year. After everyone found their way to Hitotsubashi Hall, the Director, Kei Hirose, kicked off the event posing some fundamental and unanswered questions that unite studies of the origin of Earth and life.

I do not want to seem as if I am supporting the Symposium for the sake of ELSI, but I found the 3 days flew by because I was genuinely engaged by all of the sessions. The timing of the talks (20-30 minutes) was tough for the speakers, but perfect for the audience. Those of us at ELSI have invested a lot of time to try to understand each other's contributions to our mission and to our respective fields. The presenters rewarded that effort by expanding on topics being discussed at ELSI and showcasing a breadth of new ideas. The poster session was one of the liveliest I have ever seen. It reminded me that poster sessions are essential so that scientific discussions can spill out of the oral sessions.

I had to deal with a lot of logistics regarding day care and my poster due to a meeting immediately prior to the Symposium, and frankly felt a bit spent before it had even started. But thankfully, the staff did a great job attending to all of our needs, from the basics of coffee, beverage and snacks to providing WiFi support and maps to nearby eateries, allowing me to fully turn my attention to the science. I thank the organizers, presenters, and those who stayed afterwards for continued discussions for providing those scientific endorphins we all need to motivate our research. Although it is hard to focus on science now that the sakura are blooming, it is hanami time! Let the cherry blossom viewing be another form of inspiration.