A Mission to Connect and Inspire
The NoRCEL Institute (Network of Researchers on the Chemical Emergence of Life (NoRCEL)), is underpinned by one of science’s most profound questions: How did life begin? Founded by Dr. Sohan Jheeta in 2013, NoRCEL has since evolved into a vibrant and diverse global community of scientists, researchers, students and enthusiasts, united by a shared passion for understanding the chemical origins of life.
NoRCEL’s core mission is to promote and disseminate research on the chemical evolution of life—from prebiotic chemistry to the emergence of cellular life forms. We bring together interdisciplinary experts to tackle multifaceted challenges, from exploring reactive oxygen species (ROS) to hypothesising life’s existence beyond Earth.
Probable Chemistry: The Science Behind Life’s Emergence
Life didn’t happen by accident. It happened by probability. In the vast interplay of cosmic conditions, chemistry wasn’t passive—it was predisposed. Given the right energy gradients, molecular complexity, and catalytic surfaces, life was not a fluke—it was a likely outcome. Astrobiology now asks: Are these chemical pathways universal? Could life emerge wherever physics, biology and chemistry align? Is Earth’s biology just one expression of a deeper cosmic tendency?
At the NoRCEL Institute, we explore these questions through the lens of probable chemistry—where molecular inevitability meets planetary diversity.
Our network thrives on collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or an early-career scientist, NoRCEL offers a platform to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
