Surfing the Waves of Discovery: Exploring Hidden Water on Other Worlds

 Today we take you beyond Earth to the icy moons, dusty plains, and hidden subsurface oceans of our Solar System. Our guest is Professor Elena Pettinelli, a physicist and planetary scientist from Roma Tre University. Prof. Pettinelli is the Principal Investigator of the ERC-funded project SWIM (Surfing radio Waves to detect liquid water in the solar system), which investigates planetary subsurfaces using electromagnetic waves. With publications in Nature and Science, she is a world-renowned researcher who also directs the Master’s Programme in Science Communication at Roma Tre. In this episode, we dive deep into why searching for water beyond Earth is the essential first step in looking for potential life. We discuss her transition from applied physics and seismology to planetary science, the importance of science communication, and her perspective as a woman in a male-dominated field. Prof. Pettinelli also shares an incredibly candid look into her successful, first-try application for the ERC Advanced Grant, offering invaluable advice for young researchers on managing failure, ambition, and the high-risk, high-gain nature of scientific funding. Project SWIM: https://www.swim-erc.eu/You can also watch a VIDEO of this episode: https://youtu.be/_Vw7V4kyudwKey Topics CoveredThe SWIM Project: Using radio waves to scan beneath the crusts of planets and moons to detect liquid water. The Search for Life: Why finding liquid water is the fundamental first step in searching for potential chemical markers and the development of life in the Solar System. Space Missions & European Collaboration: How Prof. Pettinelli's work supports the ESA's mission. Science Communication: The critical balance between formal scientific education and accessible communication, and why researchers must learn to communicate their work effectively to the public. Securing an ERC Grant: A behind-the-scenes look at applying for the ERC Advanced Grant, including the rigorous interview presentation, the importance of peer feedback, and handling intense panel questions. The Future of Space Exploration: The practical, terrestrial benefits derived from space research, the potential of the Moon as a scientific base, and the extreme challenges of human missions to Mars. Episode Timestamps | Timestamp | Topic / Question | 0:40 | Introduction to the episode and guest Professor Elena Pettinelli. | 1:47 | Could you explain the SWIM project to non-physicists? What does it mean? | 3:14 | Why is finding liquid water beyond Earth so important, and what bigger questions does it help answer? | 4:30 | How do you bring all the physics, astronomy, and high-tech together while keeping your team motivated? | 5:58 | How does your work fit into the larger European space community and ESA collaborations? | 10:28 | Can subsurface exploration be done in other ways besides using radio waves? | 11:29 | What were the turning points and important moments in your development as a researcher? | 14:22 | Did you always know physics was the field you wanted to pursue? | 15:32 | Have you faced any challenges being a woman in a heavily male-dominated field? | 17:40 | How did you get involved in science communication, and how does it empower your research? | 20:51 | Where do you think education ends and science communication begins? | 23:58 | What was the decisive moment that motivated you to apply for the ERC Advanced Grant? | 32:00 | Were there any unexpected questions during your ERC panel interview? | 34:37 | How did getting the grant change your research and open up new perspectives? | 36:12 | What key advice do you have for early-stage researchers looking to apply for grants? | 38:44 | How do you advise researchers to balance the "high-risk, high-gain" aspect of ambitious projects? | 40:44 | In which direction do you believe planetary investigations are going in the next 10 to 15 years? | 49:15 | What results do you expect to deliver in the next five years? Send us a message!