Dr. Martín Abadi
Petra Rettberg MEMBERS
Team Leader of the Astrobiology-Group, German Aerospace Center
Germany
More Info
  • 2018
  • Aerospace and Transportation Engineering (A.T.E)
More Info
  • 2018
  • Aerospace and Transportation Engineering (A.T.E)
Election Remark
Dr. Petra Rettberg, with a prolific career in astrobiology, is a leading expert at the German Aerospace Center's Institute of Aerospace Medicine.

As the head of the Astrobiology Group since 1996 and Deputy Head of the Radiation Biology Department since 2005, Rettberg has been pivotal in steering research on life in extreme environments and the impact of radiation on biological systems.
 
Her scientific career began with her education in chemistry at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, followed by a scholarship at the Max Planck Society and a position at the Max Planck Institute for Radiation Chemistry.

Over the years, Dr. Rettberg has been a formidable force in the field, leading several space experiments and research projects related to microbiology, planetary protection, and astrobiology.
 
Her role in supervising diverse student groups underscores her dedication to mentoring the next generation.

Dr. Rettberg is also recognized for her extensive involvement in international research collaborations, her leadership in the European Astrobiology Network Association, and her contributions as a senior editor for the Astrobiology journal.

Her achievements include multiple prestigious awards and patents, reflecting her status as an esteemed scientist and thought leader in her field.

She was elected as member of the Euorpean Academy of Engineering in 2018.