Dr. Mattias Ek is a Lecturer at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, ETH Zurich. His research focuses on cosmochemistry, isotopic geochemistry, and the origins of meteorites and planetary materials. He investigates nucleosynthetic processes in stars, isotopic heterogeneity in chondrites, and the formation history of asteroids such as Bennu. Ek teaches courses like Planetary Sciences: a Chemical Perspective and Introduction to Planetary Science at ETH Zurich. His work combines experimental geochemistry with analytical techniques to study elemental and isotopic compositions in meteorites, shedding light on solar system evolution and stellar nucleosynthesis. Key themes include stardust origins, planetary differentiation, and the interplay between cosmic ray exposure and isotopic signatures in iron meteorites. Recent publications emphasize Bennu's genetic links to CI chondrites, constraints on stellar sources of isotopes like 150Nd, and advancements in ion-exchange protocols for precise isotope analysis. His contributions bridge astrophysics and geochemistry, addressing fundamental questions about the solar nebula and asteroid formation dynamics.
JJ Kavelaars is an Astronomer at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and Adjunct Professor in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Victoria. He received his Ph.D. from Queen's University (1998) and researches Kuiper Belt dynamics and irregular planetary satellites to model solar system formation. He teaches introductory planetary science (ASTR-255) at UVic and leads major surveys including the Canada-France Ecliptic Plane Survey (CFEPS) and Outer Solar System Origins Survey (OSSOS), discovering hundreds of trans-Neptunian objects.
Dr. Mathew Smith is a Lecturer in Astrophysics at Lancaster University's Department of Physics. His research focuses on understanding the Universe through observations of Type Ia Supernovae, which serve as standard candles for measuring cosmic distances. He is a core member of major international experiments including the Dark Energy Survey (DES), the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), and the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Dr. Smith's research spans cosmology and astrophysics, with particular emphasis on Type Ia Supernovae as tools for measuring the expansion history of the Universe. He investigates the physical processes behind these explosions and their use in determining cosmic evolution. His work extends to studying superluminous supernovae, gravitational wave transients, and applying astronomical techniques to medical fields such as skin cancer detection and cardiovascular medicine. His approach combines observational data analysis with computational methods including machine learning for data classification. His recent publication record shows a concentrated effort on Type Ia supernovae research through the ZTF SN Ia Data Release 2 (DR2), with numerous papers exploring environmental dependencies, light curve properties, spectral features, and cosmological applications. These works demonstrate sophisticated analysis of large datasets and address systematic effects that impact cosmological measurements. Dr. Smith actively supervises PhD students Melzie Ghendrih and Samuel Shilling in Observational Astrophysics. His research projects include measuring the 3D distribution of matter in the nearby Universe and studying the most extreme astrophysical explosions using data from upcoming surveys like LSST, which will begin operations in 2026 and discover millions of transients annually. He collaborates extensively with international researchers across France, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, and the USA.
Alessandro Morbidelli is Professor of Planetary Formation: from Earth to Exoplanets at the Collège de France since 2023. He is a planetologist at the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur and an associate member of both the Académie des sciences and the Académie royale de Belgique. Previously, he headed the National Planetology Program (PNP) at CNRS (2010-2018) and chairs the Solar System thematic group at CNES since 2019. Since 2021, he has served as editor-in-chief of the international journal Icarus dedicated to planetology. His research focuses on the formation and evolution of planetary systems, with particular attention to the history of our solar system. Using numerical simulations, Morbidelli has demonstrated that the current structure of the solar system resulted from a phase of dynamic instability of its giant planets during the first 100 million years. His work spans several key areas including the Nice Model, asteroid belt dynamics, meteorite analysis, and exoplanet system formation. Recent publications and lectures indicate his research has increasingly focused on connecting cosmochemical evidence with dynamical models of planetary formation. His 2020 ERC-funded project developed a coherent model of Earth formation aligned with astronomical and cosmochemical constraints. Current work examines meteorites as witnesses to early planetary formation processes and the dynamical origins of various solar system populations. Scientific Awards: Urey Prize from the Planetary Science Division of the American Astronomical Association (2000) Grand Prix Mergier-Bourdeix from the Académie des Sciences (2009) CNRS Silver Medal (2019) Morbidelli is actively engaged in academic outreach, delivering lecture series at institutions including the Collège de France and Charles University in Prague. His current work bridges theoretical dynamical models with observational and meteoritic evidence to reconstruct solar system history and understand the diversity of planetary systems.
Douglas Hemingway is a Research Assistant Professor at the Institute for Geophysics within the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on planetary geophysics, particularly the internal structures and evolutionary processes of planetary bodies like icy moons (e.g., Enceladus, Europa), Mars, and the Moon. He employs geophysical modeling techniques constrained by spacecraft data to study gravitational/magnetic fields, tidal interactions, and surface deformation patterns. Key research areas include: Interior composition and dynamics of icy satellites Evolution of Martian and lunar magnetic fields Space weathering effects on lunar surfaces Geophysical exploration strategies for future planetary missions Recent work emphasizes: Seismic studies of Mars' solid inner core Enceladus' ice shell structure and subsurface ocean Assessment of geological activity potential on Europan seafloors Gravitational field modeling for Uranian moons He collaborates on mission concepts such as Uranus orbiter investigations and NanoSWARM nanosatellite projects. His research bridges theoretical modeling with observational data from missions like Cassini and InSight.
Prof Ian Wood is a Professor of Crystallography at the Department of Earth Sciences, University College London. His research focuses on crystallographic analysis using advanced techniques such as X-ray and neutron powder diffraction under extreme conditions. He specializes in high-pressure/temperature experiments on core-mantle-forming phases and planetary ices, particularly investigating the structural properties of water ice polymorphs in outer solar system environments. Research Expertise: Planetary materials, mineral physics, diffraction methodologies Teaching: GEOL0026 Earth and Planetary Materials; GEOL0072 Independent MSci Project His work explores the structural behavior of planetary ices under varying pressure-temperature conditions, with a case study examining anomalous properties of water ice polymorphs. Active in the Crystallography and Mineral Physics research group, he utilizes cutting-edge diffraction facilities for experimental mineral physics.
Dale Cruikshank is a Courtesy Professor affiliated with NASA and the University of Central Florida (UCF). His research focuses on planetary science, particularly the spectroscopic analysis of icy bodies in the outer Solar System. Recent collaborations include studies on Pluto's cryovolcanism, CO₂ cycle dynamics on Uranian moons, and radiolytic processes on Trans-Neptunian objects. His work utilizes data from missions like New Horizons and Earth-based observations. Publications highlight expertise in Ice spectroscopy Radiolytic chemistry Surface composition modeling Cometary and Kuiper Belt object analysis His email is dpcruikshank@comcast.net .
Dr. Jonathan Watson is a Research Officer in the Department of Earth Science & Engineering at Imperial College London, part of the Faculty of Engineering. His work focuses on organic geochemistry and mineralogy, with affiliations to the Imperial College Organic Geochemistry group. He has held roles since 2013 as a Research Officer and previously at The Open University (2001–2011). Watson holds a Ph.D. in Hydrocarbon and Carboxylic Acid Compositions from Newcastle University (1999), an M.Sc. in Petroleum Geochemistry (1995), and a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Edinburgh (1994). He also completed management diplomas at The Open University (2006–2007). His research interests span geochemistry, analytical chemistry, and astrobiology, with a focus on organic matter preservation in meteorites, environmental geochemistry of plastics, and planetary exploration instrumentation. He has contributed to studies on Mars life-detection strategies, meteorite composition analysis, and contamination control for space missions. Watson’s work integrates laboratory experiments with field studies, addressing challenges in organic compound analysis in extreme environments such as Mars and icy moons. His publications frequently address mineral-organic interactions, meteorite chemistry, and analytical techniques like FTIR spectroscopy and pyrolysis-GC-MS. He has investigated perchlorate impacts on organic detection, sulfur mineral effects on hydrothermal systems, and biochar stability in soils. His recent work emphasizes planetary protection protocols and advancing instrumentation for extraterrestrial sample analysis.
Dr. Ildiko Horvath is a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland (UQ) within the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. She holds a PhD from La Trobe University and specializes in Space Physics and related interdisciplinary fields. Her research focuses on ionospheric dynamics, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, geomagnetic storms, and plasma physics, leveraging satellite data (e.g., TOPEX/Poseidon, FedSat) for analysis. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), La Trobe University Research Interests: Study of ionospheric phenomena like Subauroral Ion Drifts (SAID), Abnormal Subauroral Ion Drifts (ASAID), and Subauroral Polarization Streams (SAPS) Analysis of geomagnetic storms and their impacts on the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system Investigation of plasma dynamics, including plasma bubbles and Kelvin-Helmholtz waves Utilization of multi-satellite observations (e.g., Polar, TOPEX) for system-of-systems modeling Articles Trends: Her recent work emphasizes the coupling between magnetospheric and ionospheric processes during active and quiet geomagnetic periods, with a focus on plasma flow structures and storm-induced phenomena. Key themes include the development of hot zones, plasma hole scenarios, and the role of solar wind drivers in shaping ionospheric behavior. Advising & Grants: Dr. Horvath is available for supervision but no specific grants or advisees are listed in the provided text. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with UQ’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science research groups focusing on space physics and satellite data analysis.
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.
Yuk L. Yung is Professor of Planetary Science at the California Institute of Technology and Jet Propulsion Laboratory Senior Research Scientist. He received his B.S. from the University of California in 1969 and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1974. His academic career at Caltech spans from Visiting Associate (1976), through Assistant Professor (1977-82), Associate Professor (1982-86), Professor (1986-2011, 2017-present), with an interlude as Smits Family Professor (2012-16). He also served as Jet Propulsion Laboratory Research Scientist (2014-15) before becoming Senior Research Scientist (2015-present). Professor Yung's research focuses on planetary atmospheres across the solar system and beyond, with particular expertise in atmospheric chemistry, radiation processes, and the search for biosignatures. His work bridges theoretical modeling, laboratory experiments, and observational data, with applications to both planetary science and Earth's climate change issues. He has studied planets Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune, as well as moons including Io, Ganymede, Callisto, Titan and Triton, and exoplanets such as HD209458b. His publication record spans decades with significant contributions including the first detection of water vapor in an exoplanet atmosphere (HD189733b). His research covers atmospheric chemistry of various gases including H 2 , O 2 , O 3 , N 2 , N 2 O, H 2 O, HDO, CO, CO 2 , halogens, methane, higher hydrocarbons, ammonia, sulfur compounds and aerosols. Professor Yung teaches Ge/Ay 159 (Astrobiology) and Ge/ESE 139 (Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation), courses that reflect his interdisciplinary approach to planetary science and atmospheric processes. His teaching covers topics from the emergence of life at hydrothermal vents to the search for biosignatures on exoplanets. Pioneering work on stratospheric chemistry that preceded Nobel Prize-winning research on chlorine effects First conclusive discovery of water vapor in exoplanet atmosphere (HD189733b) Professor Yung's research demonstrates a consistent theme of synergy between modeling, laboratory experiments, and field observations, often in collaboration with colleagues at Caltech and JPL. His work has evolved from studies of solar system planets to the cutting-edge field of exoplanet characterization, while maintaining connections to Earth's atmospheric processes and climate change.
Juan Pablo Fuenzalida Werner is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Navarra. He is also a Ramón y Cajal Fellow, focusing on protein engineering and supramolecular materials for biomedical and environmental technologies. Education: PhD in Chemistry from University of Münster (Germany) PhD in Biochemistry from University of Hyderabad (India) His research spans protein-polysaccharide interactions, fluorescent proteins, and biohybrid photonic devices. Key areas include: Engineering protein-based polymers and nanobodies Stability enhancement of biohybrid light-emitting diodes Supramolecular material design for biomedical applications Environmental technology applications of protein systems Recent work shows strong trends in: Fluorescent protein integration with nanomaterials Thermophilicity prediction using AI Optoacoustic imaging technologies Biohybrid LED systems Scientific Awards: Ramón y Cajal Fellowship He leads the SUMBET research group focused on Supramolecular Materials for Biomedical and Environmental Technologies, with significant contributions to protein engineering and biophotonic applications. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining biochemistry, material science, and nanotechnology.
Gerrick Lindberg, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry at Northern Arizona University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on cryogenic materials, planetary chemistry, and energy storage systems. He leads the Lindberg Physical Chemistry Research Group, studying phenomena such as Titan's hydrocarbon lakes, Pluto's volatile ices, and polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Lindberg has expertise in experimental techniques like vapor pressure measurements and molecular dynamics simulations. Academic Background: He earned a BSc in Chemistry from Oregon State University, followed by MA/PhD degrees in Chemistry from Boston University. His postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago deepened his work on astrochemistry and cryogenic systems. Research Interests: Lindberg investigates water physical chemistry, gas storage in nanoporous materials, and free energy sampling methods. His work bridges laboratory experiments (e.g., quartz crystal microbalance studies) and computational models to advance understanding of planetary bodies and energy technologies. Key Contributions: Over 15+ peer-reviewed articles since 2020 explore topics like Titan's methane-ethane-nitrogen systems, Pluto's phase diagrams, and antibiofilm materials. His lab's planetary science research has implications for astrobiology and exoplanet studies. Labs & Facilities: His research utilizes NAU's Astrophysical Ices Laboratory and advanced equipment for cryogenic material analysis. Lindberg collaborates nationally on projects funded by NSF and NASA.
Dr. Sarah Bentley is an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Environment. She holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Reading (2019) and a MMath from Durham University (2013). Her research focuses on space physics, space weather forecasting, and the application of machine learning to understand magnetospheric dynamics. She investigates ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves and their role in energizing Earth’s radiation belts, with a particular interest in developing predictive models for space weather impacts. Joined Northumbria as a Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in 2020. Current projects include STFC-funded research on solar and space physics, emphasizing radial diffusion and wave-particle interactions. Her work bridges computational methods and physical phenomena, leveraging AI to analyze large datasets from spacecraft observations. She supervises PhD students in topics like graph neural networks for magnetic field characterization and machine learning-driven space weather forecasting. Key contributions include probabilistic models for ULF wave prediction, radial diffusion benchmarking, and causal network analysis for space weather variables. She actively engages in EDI initiatives, advocating for neurodivergent inclusivity in academic environments.
Francisco DE LA PEÑA is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lille. He is a member of the Materials and Transformations Unit (UMET, CNRS UMR 8207) and works within the Terrestrial and Planetary Materials research team. His office is located in Building C6, Scientific City, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France. His primary research interests lie in the nanoscale characterization of astromaterials , particularly samples from the asteroid Ryugu returned by the Hayabusa2 mission. He specializes in advanced electron microscopy techniques, including 4D-STEM, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and vibrational spectroscopy in the STEM , to study space weathering, mineralogical transformations, and the interaction between organic matter and minerals at the nano-scale. His recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong focus on the analysis of Ryugu samples, investigating topics such as iron nitride formation, organic micro-globules, phyllosilicate matrices, pyrrhotite alteration, and shock metamorphism. These works, published in top-tier journals like Nature Astronomy and Meteoritics and Planetary Science , demonstrate a consistent trend in applying cutting-edge microscopy to unravel the geological and chemical history of primitive asteroids. Francisco DE LA PEÑA is a frequent co-author with leading scientists in the field, including Damien Jacob, Hugues Leroux, and Cécile Le Guillou . He actively contributes to the scientific community through presentations at international conferences such as Goldschmidt and the French Society of Microscopy. He has also contributed to methodological advances in electron microscopy data analysis, including work on the open-source software HyperSpy, reflecting his expertise in both experimental and computational aspects of materials characterization.
