About the Edinburgh Centre for Planetary Sciences

The Edinburgh Centre for Planetary Sciences (ECPS) unites researchers across the University of Edinburgh to explore planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and life in the universe. Bringing together expertise from the physical sciences, engineering, biology, and cutting-edge space technology, we are a world-class hub for planetary research and teaching.

Our community works across the full breadth of planetary science—from studying our Solar System and distant exoplanets to investigating the origins of life and developing instruments for future space missions. By coordinating this diverse expertise, ECPS strengthens Edinburgh’s role in the UK and global space community and opens new opportunities for discovery, collaboration, and impact.

Explore our research themes, meet our people, discover our facilities, and learn how you can study, collaborate, or join our events.

Research Themes

Explore the core areas of planetary science research at Edinburgh, spanning the Solar System, exoplanets, astrobiology, and mission science.

People

Meet the staff, students, and affiliates across the University of Edinburgh who make up the ECPS planetary science community.

Facilities

Discover the laboratories, instrumentation, and computational facilities that support planetary science research and technology development.

Opportunities

Find out about routes into planetary science at Edinburgh, including PhD projects, postdoctoral positions, student projects, and collaboration opportunities.

Teaching

Learn how planetary science is taught across the University, from undergraduate courses to postgraduate training and research-led education.

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