The SETI Institute is a nonprofit research organization founded in 1984 to educate future generations about the existence and nature of life in the universe. SETI stands for Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence; that is, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence or extraterrestrial growth.

The institute houses three major centers for the scientific study of the existence of extraterrestrial life. These centers deal with different topics. The Kaliya Sagan Center studies life in the universe. The second center is an education center dedicated to teaching and learning astronomy, astrobiology and space science to teachers and students.

SETI’s third center is the Public Outreach Center. The center is dedicated to communicating a broad range of scientific knowledge to the public through radio programs, podcasts and conversations called "SETI Talks." SETI is headquartered in Mountain View, California.