The mission of the European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) is to provide European space scientists with an independent voice in the European space arena. The Committee delivers unbiased, expert scientific advice to the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission, European national space agencies, and other key stakeholders across the space sector. It has become the reference body in Europe for independent scientific advice on space matters and a focal point for international research collaboration. 

 To fulfil its mission and effectively represent the scientific community, the ESSC operates through specialist panels covering the various domains of space sciences. The Solar System Exploration Panel (SSEP) focuses on scientific disciplines related to the exploration of the Solar System, including planetary science, small bodies, and mission-driven space exploration. In this capacity, we recently contributed to the ESSC’s invited statements for the ESA Conference on Ministerial level by providing expert assessment of Europe’s position in space sciences and outlining recommendations for future priorities, and to a brochure on “Human and Robotic Exploration Groundbreaking Science Discoveries”.

Through this call, the SSEP seeks to broaden and strengthen its current expertise by inviting expressions of interest from scientists wishing to join the panel as new members. We invite submissions from experts in diverse areas within the field of solar system sciences and exploration. We are particularly interested in expertise in the following specialized fields: 

• Solar Physics and Heliosphere Science, Planetary Space Weather (science and operations) 

• Outer Solar System, concentrating on ocean worlds, giant planets, and the intricate dynamics of the Jovian magnetosphere and atmosphere 

• Venus (including atmospherics, geology, or any other scientific discipline that could contribute to a deeper understanding of this planet) and Venus missions 

• Terrestrial Planets and moons, emphasizing areas such as planetary geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, astrobiology, extraterrestrial materials and sample science 

• Any other expertise in Solar System sciences and exploration 

 Applicants should demonstrate scientific excellence, experience in contributing to space missions. Previous experience with the programmatics and research landscape with ESA, NASA and other agencies is a bonus. They should hold a permanent position in an ESA-affiliated Member State.  

Panel meetings are held every two to three months online, as well as during the bi-annual plenary meetings of the full ESSC (all panels), which take place in person. Occasionally, additional in-person panel meetings are organised, with the option to join remotely. 

The ESSC is committed to representing the space sciences community in all its diversity. Accordingly, the candidate’s country of affiliation will be taken into account during the evaluation of applications. 

If you are interested to join our panel, please send a motivation statement (max 1 page) and a short CV (max 2 pages) to the ESSC secretariat/office (essc@esf.org) by October 31, 2026. The motivation statement should describe the applicant’s areas of expertise and potential contribution to the panel. Inquiries can be sent to the chair of the panel (Nicole Schmitz, nicole.schmitz@dlr.de).