About Growing Worlds

Amplifying the voices of early career researchers shaping the future of exoplanet science.

Our mission

Behind every exoplanet discovery lies a human story worth telling.

Science is fundamentally a human endeavour. Behind every research paper, breakthrough, and discovery are real people with unique perspectives, challenges, and dreams. Growing Worlds exists to amplify these voices — specifically those of early career researchers in exoplanetary science.

Through intimate conversations and compelling storytelling, we explore not just the cutting-edge science, but the personal journeys of the people on the front lines of discovering worlds beyond our solar system.

By giving them a platform to share their science and their stories, we aim to make research culture more open, supportive, and inspiring for current and future scientists.

Where our listeners are

Growing Worlds reaches an international audience. Here's all-time listening data across every platform, via Spotify for Podcasters.

Hover or tap a country to see its share of listeners
Vietnam: 1.07% of listenersUnited States of America: 21.54% of listenersUnited Kingdom: 26.75% of listenersUnited Arab Emirates: 0.36% of listenersSwitzerland: 0.12% of listenersSpain: 2.6% of listenersSouth Korea: 0.59% of listenersSingapore: 0.59% of listenersRussia: 0.12% of listenersPortugal: 0.24% of listenersPoland: 0.71% of listenersNew Zealand: 0.12% of listenersNetherlands: 1.42% of listenersMorocco: 0.36% of listenersKuwait: 0.12% of listenersJordan: 0.12% of listenersJapan: 7.69% of listenersItaly: 15.5% of listenersIsrael: 0.36% of listenersIndia: 2.13% of listenersGreece: 0.36% of listenersGermany: 2.84% of listenersFrance: 9.35% of listenersFinland: 0.47% of listenersEcuador: 0.12% of listenersDenmark: 0.12% of listenersColombia: 0.12% of listenersChile: 0.36% of listenersCanada: 1.3% of listenersBrazil: 2.13% of listenersAustria: 0.12% of listenersAustralia: 0.12% of listenersArgentina: 0.12% of listeners
Fewer listenersMore listeners
  • United Kingdom 26.75%
  • United States 21.54%
  • Italy 15.5%
  • France 9.35%
  • Japan 7.69%
  • Germany 2.84%
  • Spain 2.6%
  • Brazil 2.13%

Our team

Growing Worlds is a passion project powered entirely by volunteer work from people who care deeply about sharing the stories behind the science.

Dr Lorenzo V. Mugnai

Dr Lorenzo V. Mugnai

Producer, Co-host & Research Fellow

Researcher exploring the diversity of exoplanets through data analysis and the development of new space missions and observation techniques. Passionate about the bigger picture of planetary populations and the human side of science.

Dr Jenifer Millard

Dr Jenifer Millard

Co-host & Science Communicator

Experienced science communicator and astrophysicist, known for making the universe engaging and approachable. As the voice behind Awesome Astronomy, she brings clarity, wit, and inspiration to every story.

Carys Townsend

Carys Townsend

Assistant Producer

MSc Astronomy student at Cardiff University, specialising in science communication. She supports the production and editorial work of Growing Worlds, helping translate complex research into engaging stories.

Robyn Burnett

Robyn Burnett

Student Intern

MSc Astrophysics student specialising in community outreach and science communication. She supports editorial work and social media content, helping Growing Worlds reach diverse audiences.

Want to work with us?

We're all volunteers, and we'd love more hands on deck. Editing, social media, ideas — whatever you can offer, get in touch.

Get in touch

Acknowledgments

Growing Worlds was launched with support from Ignite funding for Research Culture at Cardiff University, backed by the Wellcome Trust.

This programme is part of Cardiff University's CHART (Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology) outreach programme.

Recording facilities were kindly provided by Science Made Simple.

Cardiff UniversityWellcome TrustScience Made Simple

Disclaimer

Growing Worlds features conversations with early-career researchers who are invited to share their personal experiences and scientific perspectives.

The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, the Growing Worlds team, or their affiliated institutions. Any scientific statements discussed in the episodes reflect the individual research approaches of the interviewees and should not be interpreted as endorsements or official positions.