Europlanet Early-Career Medal
The Europlanet Early Career Medal, launched in 2025, is awarded annually to honour outstanding contributions in scientific excellence, community building, and outreach from individuals up to a scientific age* of seven years. The Early-Career Medal comes with a plaque and a registration waiver for the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC). Recipients are invited to give a medal lecture at EPSC.
* The scientific age of a researcher at time of submission, which is calculated from the year of the last degree in scientific education (MSc, PhD) without counting the time being on leave (parental [+ 1 year/child] / health [variable]) or time working primarily outside science.
Recipients of the Europlanet Early-Career Medal
| 2025 |
2025
Dr. Tim Lichtenberg has been selected as the recipient of the Europlanet Early-Career Medal in recognition of the remarkable breadth and depth of his contributions to planetary science. As an early-career researcher, Dr. Lichtenberg has distinguished himself through a uniquely interdisciplinary approach that bridges geochemistry, geophysics, and exoplanetary science. His pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of planetary formation, particularly the influence of short-lived radionuclides on early planetary heating, magma ocean evolution, and volatile distribution.
One of his most notable contributions is the proposal that variations in galactic 26Al abundance shape the volatile content of exoplanets and the Solar System terrestrial planets, potentially explaining observed bimodal distributions. These theoretical insights have been substantiated by empirical data, such as the dichotomous core material found in polluted white dwarfs and meteoritic evidence for substantial volatile degassing from the earliest Solar System planetesimals. His work further explores how factors like magma ocean longevity, redox states, and core-mantle segregation influence exoplanetary atmospheres and observable characteristics—offering transformative perspectives on planetary evolution and habitability.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Lichtenberg is a leader in fostering community, collaboration, and inclusivity. He has organized numerous conferences and workshops, authored codes of conduct to promote inclusive research environments, and made his computational tools openly accessible. He plays key roles in major international initiatives, including the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE) project and several James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) programs.
Dr. Lichtenberg’s exceptional originality, productivity, and impact across multiple scientific domains—combined with his commitment to community-building—make him a truly deserving recipient of the EPCM award.
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