Amy J. V. Riches
Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail (and see who joins in!).
Planetary Geoscientist
Isotope Cosmo/Geochemist and Petrologist
Writer and Editor, Educator
Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate (link) Disability not inability.
She / Her / Hers
Scholar ORCID Researcher ID
Available for outreach / public engagement, scientific and media enquiries. Contact form below.
Having earlier trained in geological sciences, I have since developed broad interests with foundations in geochemistry and planetary science. My work involves contributing to and leading on a range of interdisciplinary projects that address fundamental and applied areas of research intersecting with culture, ethics, and policy/law.
Interested students, postdoctoral scholars, and potential collaborators are encouraged to get in touch.
Research goal: How do habitable (Earth-like) worlds form and evolve?
I am one of relatively few people in the world – and the only person in the UK / Europe – applying my specialist combination of study tools to pursue research passions concerning the fundamental origin(s) and evolution of the Solar System’s rocky bodies (asteroids, Mars, the Earth-Moon system etc).
How does the understanding that we build link to space exploration and space ethics? In what ways does our work and ways of thinking assist progress with evolving concepts of exoplanet formation? How can our contributions as planetary geologists / geochemists contribute to or inform searches for habitable worlds beyond our own? Where scientific discoveries, concepts, and inventions link with global societies, how do these connect with and shape culture?
Image credit: Julian Baum
Signatory and advocator of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, the Leiden Manifesto, and Plan-S publication practices. 2022, Meeting Info – Forming and Exploring Habitable Worlds.
Main Research Themes Books Kind and Inclusive Community Cultures Activities Blog
Current: CV available on request.
Visitor, Earth and Planetary Sciences Institute, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, UK.
SETI Affiliate Scientist, Carl Sagan Centre, Mountain View, CA, USA.
Professional Affiliations: Member of the Meteoritical Society, Geochemical Society, European Association of Geochemistry, Geological Society [Fellow], Royal Astronomical Society [Fellow], Royal Society of Chemistry [MRSC], American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences, American Geophysical Union, Marie Curie Alumni Association, Inspiring Futures and Inspiring Governance, STEM NET Ambassador, the Secure World Foundation, UK Planetary Forum, Moon Dialogs, the Lunar and Lunar policy lists, Federation of Writers, Association of British Science Writers, EuroPlanet Society, Earth Science Women’s Network, Committee on Publication Ethics [Member] and more.
My other interests include a cat called Ninja, calm quiet crafts, walks, reading, eco-conscious living, basketball, and a range of charitable contributions.
“Without freedom of choice there is no creativity” Cpt. Kirk, Star Trek.
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CONTACT ME:
Amy J. V. Riches 