Is Humanity Ready for Contact?

A new paper published on the arXiv platform, titled "Directions for Technosignature Research and Readiness" calls for urgent scientific, institutional, and societal preparedness for the potential detection of signals from extraterrestrial intelligence. Led by the SETI Post-Detection Hub at the University of St Andrews, the study warns that we are increasingly technologically close to finding technosignatures—indirect evidence of advanced civilizations—but still considerably unprepared from a human and organizational perspective.

In recent years, the advancement of telescopes such as the James Webb and the Vera Rubin Observatory, as well as the growing use of artificial intelligence algorithms, have significantly increased the ability to identify artificial signals in the cosmos. These could include electromagnetic emissions, unnatural light patterns, or even possible orbital structures built by extraterrestrial civilizations. At the same time, the study proposes expanding our understanding of so-called "non-human minds" through research in animal cognition, artificial intelligence, and even quantum physics, as a way to avoid anthropocentric projections when interpreting possible signs of intelligent life.

However, one of the most critical aspects highlighted by the article is the lack of institutional and societal preparedness. Current post-detection protocols, created in the 1980s, are completely outdated for the contemporary global context, marked by social media, large-scale disinformation, and sharp ideological divides. The real challenge may not be the detection itself, but how human society will react: with enthusiasm, fear, denial, or potential institutional disorganization.

Given this scenario, the authors advocate the creation of an international post-detection coordination center, which would serve as a focal point for the scientific validation of signals, management of public communication, and the definition of ethical and diplomatic guidelines. This hub should involve not only scientists, but also experts in social sciences, communication, philosophy, and international relations.

The article's conclusion is clear: it is highly likely that we will detect signs of intelligent life before we are truly prepared to deal with such a discovery. Therefore, it is urgent to invest not only in technological capabilities, but also in public policies, global protocols, scientific education, and deep ethical reflection. The goal is to ensure that, when this historic moment arrives, humanity is ready to respond unitedly, informed, and thoughtfully—rather than disoriented and divided.