The mission of the SETI Institute is to explore, understand and explain the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe. The acronym SETI means Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence.
The SETI Institute is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research, education and public outreach.
The Institute comprises three centers, the Center for SETI Research, the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe and the Center for Education and Public Outreach. It was founded in 1984.