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About

Christina Plainaki is a leading figure in planetary science, whose work has profoundly shaped our understanding of the outer Solar System. Her primary research focuses on the exploration of ice giants—Uranus and Neptune—and the complex plasma environments surrounding planetary bodies. A cornerstone of her contribution is the influential paper "Ice giant system exploration within ESA’s Voyage 2050" (2021, 11 citations), which articulates a compelling scientific case for a dedicated robotic mission to these enigmatic worlds. This work, part of ESA’s long-term strategic planning, has been pivotal in galvanizing the international community to prioritize the exploration of the last unexplored class of planets in our Solar System. Beyond this, Plainaki’s research delves into the intricate interactions between magnetospheres, moons, and rings, advancing our knowledge of how these systems function. Her ability to synthesize high-level mission concepts with fundamental physics has made her a key voice in defining the future of planetary exploration, inspiring a new generation of researchers to look beyond the familiar.