About Growing Worlds
Amplifying the voices of early career researchers shaping the future of exoplanet science.
Our Mission
We believe that behind every exoplanet discovery lies a human story worth telling.
Science is fundamentally a human endeavor. Behind every research paper, every breakthrough, and every discovery are real people with unique perspectives, challenges, and dreams. Growing Worlds exists to amplify these voices, specifically those of early career researchers (ECRs) in exoplanetary science.
Through intimate conversations and compelling storytelling, we explore not just the cutting-edge science, but the personal journeys of the passionate individuals on the front lines of discovering and understanding worlds beyond our solar system.
Our purpose is to showcase the diverse voices of early career researchers, making their work accessible and inspiring to audiences worldwide. By giving them a platform to share their science and their stories, we aim to make research culture more open, supportive, and inspiring for current and future scientists.
Your Hosts
Dr Lorenzo V. Mugnai
Researcher exploring the diversity of exoplanets through data analysis and the development of new space missions and observation techniques. Passionate about uncovering the bigger picture of planetary populations and sharing the human side of science.
Dr Jenifer Millard
Experienced science communicator and astrophysicist, known for making the universe engaging and approachable. As the voice behind Awesome Astronomy, she brings clarity, wit, and inspiration to every story she tells.
Acknowledgments
Growing Worlds was launched with support from the Ignite funding for Research Culture at Cardiff University, backed by the Wellcome Trust. This initiative aims to improve the research environment and support the personal and professional growth of early career researchers in the exoplanetary field.
This program is part of Cardiff University's CHART (Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology) outreach program and is supported by their commitment to public engagement and science communication.
Recording facilities were kindly provided by Science Made Simple.
Cardiff University
Wellcome Trust
Science Made Simple
Disclaimer
Growing Worlds features conversations with early-career researchers who are invited to share their personal experiences and scientific perspectives. Their participation reflects their enthusiasm for sharing their work with the broader community.
The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, the Growing Worlds team, or their affiliated institutions. Likewise, any scientific statements or decisions discussed in the episodes reflect the individual research approaches of the interviewees and should not be interpreted as endorsements or official positions by the hosts or the institutions involved.