Inge Loes ten Kate

Inge Loes ten Kate is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Utrecht University, Netherlands, within the Faculty of Geosciences. Her work focuses on Astrobiology, Petrology, and Planetary Sciences, particularly the role of extraterrestrial organic materials in the origin of life. She leads research on Mars habitability, exoplanet formation, and prebiotic chemistry using spectroscopy and modeling.

• Education: PhD in Astronomy (2006), MS in Aerospace Engineering (1999).

Her research spans Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geochemistry, and Exobiology, with recent publications on biosignatures, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and planetary surface chemistry. Articles highlight TRAPPIST-1 planetary systems, Mars Science Laboratory, and clay mineral interactions.

She received the NASA Group Achievement Award (2013) for Mars Science Laboratory contributions. Her 15 most recent articles cover topics like exoplanet formation, universal biosignatures, and PAH photochemistry on early Mars and Earth surfaces.

• Scientific Awards:
  • NASA Group Achievement Award for MSL Science Office Development and Operations Team (2013)

She mentors students in planetary science and collaborates internationally, with activities including public lectures, media outreach, and science communication initiatives like the "Life in the Universe" exhibition advisory role.