Peter Wurz

Prof. Peter Wurz is a Professor at the University of Bern's Faculty of Science and Chair of the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH) Steering Committee. His research focuses on planetary science, exosphere dynamics, and instrumentation for space exploration. He leads studies on Mercury's helium exosphere, icy moons like Europa, and cometary processes. Prof. Wurz is actively involved in missions such as the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) and Solar Orbiter, contributing to instruments like the Particle Environment Package (PEP). His work emphasizes laser-based mass spectrometry for in-situ analysis of organic molecules and habitability indicators. He also explores surface interactions with solar wind, exosphere modeling, and innovative instrumentation for future missions to Pluto, Uranus, and the Interstellar Medium.

Education details are not explicitly stated, but his academic trajectory aligns with advanced roles in space and planetary science. His research spans Mercury's magnetosphere, cometary outburst mechanisms, and the development of compact, autonomous analytical tools for planetary surfaces. Key projects include the DIMPLE experiment for lunar dating and the ORIGIN instrument for biosignature detection on icy moons.

Research interests are structured around planetary surface processes, exosphere evolution, and advanced instrument design. He collaborates on missions targeting Jupiter's icy moons, comets, and Mercury, with a focus on understanding volatile release mechanisms and solar wind interactions. His work bridges theoretical modeling (e.g., SpuBase sputtering database) and experimental validation using lab analogs and spaceborne sensors.