From Leiden to Harvard: four questions for Julia Santos
Eight early-career researchers from around the world have been awarded a 51 Pegasi b Fellowship – a prestigious opportunity for astronomers. Julia Santos, a PhD candidate at Leiden Observatory, is one of them. We asked her four questions about this remarkable fellowship.
What does this fellowship mean for you?
‘I’ll receive funding for a three-year research position, with the possibility to extend it to a fourth year. My appointment will start in October, and I’ll be heading to Harvard University. I’ll finish my PhD in Leiden this summer.’
What is a 51 Pegasi b Fellowship?
The 51 Pegasi b Fellowship supports young scientists in the field of astronomy. It’s named after the very first planet discovered outside our solar system – what we now call an exoplanet – orbiting a star similar to our Sun. That star is called 51 Pegasi, and the planet that circles it was named 51 Pegasi b. The discovery, made in 1995, was a major breakthrough in astronomy and marked the start of a new area of research: the search for worlds beyond our own solar system. That’s why the fellowship carries its name.
What does this opportunity mean to you personally?
‘Honestly, it means a lot. It’s an incredible opportunity and also recognition of my work and ideas. I’m really excited to be part of a network of brilliant researchers. I was fortunate to receive several offers for postdoctoral positions, but I chose the 51 Pegasi b Fellowship because of the community it fosters. The organisation also provides long-term support for a career in research, which is really valuable.’
What are your expectations?
‘I’m looking forward to having the time and resources to dive deeply into the chemistry of planet-forming regions. This fellowship offers the freedom to pursue my own independent line of research, and I’m excited to begin carving out my own space in the field. I also expect to mentor students, which is something I find incredibly rewarding.’
What will your main goal be?
‘My main goal is to grow as an independent researcher and solidify my own research direction, one that I can continue to build on throughout my career.’
About the research
Bridging laboratory experiments and observations to explore molecular transformations that set the stage for planetary formation and organic life.