In October 2022 the Forming Worlds group will start its journey at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute at the University of Groningen. Initially, we will recruit two PhD students and are open for BSc and MSc research projects at the cross-disciplinary intersections between rocky planetary interiors and atmospheres.
Interfacing exoplanet astronomy and planetary geophysics
Ever-increasing information on rocky exoplanets make it now possible to understand the origin of the Solar System terrestrial planets within the diversity of the galactic planetary census. Exoplanets provide insights into climatic regimes and physical processes that are inaccessible at present day on our own world and across the Solar System. The Forming Worlds team develops and applies numerical and theoretical methodology to expand our knowledge of the origin and long-term evolution of terrestrial and rocky planets to gain insights into the diversity of terrestrial planets like and unlike the Earth. Ultimately, we aim to assess the main physical and chemical processes that influence the formation of planetary environments conducive for the origin of life.
Embedded in the wider Dutch and EU research landscapes
The growing Forming Worlds team will work in close collaboration with the Origins and Planetary research networks across The Netherlands, Europe, and the international research community. Our research connects closely to the mission directives of the Dutch Origins Center. We work together with the LIFE initiative, and the PLATO and Ariel missions on the future of exoplanet surveys, and investigate the nature of rocky exoplanets in collaboration with the AEThER and Alien Earths research networks.
Looking for graduate students for start in 2023
Starting in the fall of 2022 we will look for students, postdocs, and independent research fellows to join our group to investigate the nature of rocky planets. Please stay tuned for position advertisements in the next weeks. If you are interested in doing a research project or collaborate with our group, please drop us a message.