Our universe is made up of tiny building blocks: atoms and molecules. Everything around us — including our own bodies — is made from them. In a very real sense, we come from the stars. The atoms that make up our cells were created inside ancient stars long before the Sun or Earth existed. And what is even more amazing: the chemistry that makes life possible here on Earth is also happening far out in space. My research focuses on developing computational software to simulate and predict the behaviour of molecules in the harsh conditions of interstellar space. Among these, a family of molecules of particular interest is known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). On Earth, these molecules are usually associated with smoke, pollution, or even cancer. They do not have a good reputation. But in space, they tell a very different story. PAHs are incredibly common in the vast clouds of gas and dust between stars. They form naturally and can survive extreme cosmic conditions. This raises a fascinating possibility: could these same molecules — harmful to us today — have played a role in the origin of life billions of years ago?  Could molecules born in dying stars have helped spark biology on young planets? Using theoretical models and computer simulations, I examine the conditions that would make this possible. Is this kind of chemistry rare and unlikely? Or is it something the universe tends to do naturally? Join me at the Festival of Research to explore the fascinating possibility that the molecules we associate with danger today might once have helped turn stardust into life.