Notices

ESA EnVision Science Team

Professor Richard Ghail

15 July 2026
Richard Ghail has been appointed by the European Space Agency (ESA) to the science team advising on the European radar instrument for EnVision—the flagship mission to Venus that he proposed in 2016 and which is scheduled for launch in 2032. The Venus Radiometer, Altimeter and Synthetic Aperture Radar (VeraSAR) will image the surface of Venus at resolutions of up to 10 metres and monitor changes that may indicate ongoing geological activity. It will be complemented by Vesper, a radar sounder designed to probe beneath the surface, and VenSpec, an infrared and ultraviolet imaging spectrometer. This appointment is a significant international recognition of Richard's expertise and leadership in planetary science, and a tremendous achievement for both Richard and the Department.

Career Achievenment Award

Professor Euan Nisbet

31 March 2026
We were so pleased today to see Professor Euan Nisbet receive the career achievement award for methane science, for his visionary leadership, his relentless pursuit of scientific clarity and his profound impact on our ability to monitor and respond to the climate crisis. Euan has been inspirational in his insights and communication of methane science over the last 40 years, and this award is very well deserved - congratulations Euan!