Mark McCaughrean is an astronomer and space scientist who translates complex cosmic discoveries into compelling narratives that connect scientific advancement with human curiosity and innovation. He is also the co-founder of Space Rocks, a platform which celebrates space exploration and the art, music, and culture it inspires through public events and creative collaborations. His work sits at the intersection of science and creativity, using both to engage new audiences with the wonder and relevance of space.

For over a decade, Mark was the Senior Advisor for Science and Exploration at the European Space Agency, where he was responsible for communicating the scientific promise and results of a wide range of missions across astronomy, heliophysics, planetary science, and human spaceflight. These included landmark missions such as Solar Orbiter, Mars Express, BepiColombo, JUICE, Planck, XMM-Newton, Gaia, Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope, and Euclid, as well as highlighting scientific work conducted by astronauts on the International Space Station.

His career has taken him from the University of Edinburgh to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and various astronomical institutes in Europe, including positions in Heidelberg, Bonn and Potsdam. He has also held a professorship at the University of Exeter. He continues to work closely on space science as an Interdisciplinary Scientist on the James Webb Space Telescope Science Working Group, and as an adjunct scientist at the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie in Heidelberg. His research focuses on the formation of stars and planetary systems in regions like the Orion Nebula.

Alongside his scientific career, Mark is known for building bridges between space science and cultural expression. Through Space Rocks, he has collaborated with musicians, visual artists and storytellers to explore how space inspires human creativity, participating in a wide range of creative projects and live events across Europe and beyond. His credits include the Ambition film series, performances with orchestras, over 500 public and professional talks around the world, and he has recently published a tour guide to the Universe.

Mark has been interviewed widely across international media and his outreach work has been recognised with several awards, including two Sir Arthur Clarke Awards and a Progressive Music Award. With a career that bridges rigorous science and creative communication, he offers a rare perspective on space exploration; what we’re learning, how we learn it, and why it matters.