I’m an “atheist scientist” (biologist) and that (OP’s idea) seems like a bizarre idea. I would like to see if there is any other non-terrestrial life just to see what it’s like, intelligent or not. FWIW, I do not think intelligent life is at all common in the universe in relative numbers. it’s just curiosity, nothing at all to do with my beliefs. Scientists are generally people who are very curious about our world and the universe.
First, atheists and their atheist scientists are usually wrong. You are an old biologist now and still wrong. There is no evidence of alien life because of the fine tuning facts, SETI, Ferdi paradox, and more. The evos, atheists, and you do not listen to the above fine people. Earth is the only planet with magnetic field, atmosphere, water, and
life.
Otherwise, we would be able to find another planet to colonize. It would help if there was a single microbe found elsewhere. This hasn't happened. Thus, you believe in the flying spaghetti monster and "faith-based" evolution.