Hans Huybrighs

Hidden under the surface of Jupiter’s ice-covered moons there are water oceans. Where there is liquid water, life could be possible. Because of the ice’s thickness, peeking through it is easier said than done. How then, might we be able to get a taste of what’s really in these oceans? 

Hans Huybrighs
Male, 28 
Research Fellow ESA/ESTEC 
PhD Science of planets

Biography 
"I’ve been fascinated by space since a young age, setting me on a path to study aerospace engineering in Delft. Rather than becoming a full engineer, I gradually shifted to scientific research. As master student I got involved in the scientific preparations for the new European space mission destined for Jupiter, which also became the theme of my PhD project, on which I worked at the Swedish Institute for Space Physics in the polar circle and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany. Now I am working as a Research Fellow at the European Space Agency, at the beating heart of the mission.

Alongside my research I have extensive experience doing scientific outreach. I set my first steps as a science communicator when I organized an astronomy club for kids, which was a volunteer job next to my university studies. This involved various tasks such as giving lectures and organizing summer camps. Now, as a scientist I actively pursue outreach opportunities by giving talks to schools and adults, as well as writing for popular science magazines. This takes me to exotic locations, recently I have given talks in New Zealand and Iceland."            

FameLab entry reasons 
I want to improve my outreach skills by learning from others who may be more experienced. To me communicating about my research to a wider audience is part of a scientist’s job in promoting a better understanding of science. Therefore, as a scientist I think developing these skills further is important. I think FameLab is good opportunity to do this as I will receive professional training and gain the opportunity to reach new audiences.
Previous experience: giving public talks and popular science writing. Organizing an astronomy club for kids.