EXOWORLD · Understanding the evolution of EXOplanets and towards habitable WORLDs

Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than our own Sun. The study of exoplanets provides insight into different stages of life cycles in planetary systems, allowing us to examine planetary physics in a global context. The objective of EXOWORLD is to develop novel detection, characterisation and statistical techniques for understanding the fundamental physics which drives the evolution of planetary systems and find out what set of conditions lead to a habitable world. With next generations of space missions and ground-based instruments on their way, there is an increasing demand for effective approaches in dealing with large exoplanet databases. Improved methods are required to extract information in photometric and spectroscopic data for small signals and push towards the discovery of smaller, lighter planets. As the number of known exoplanets grows, it is also important to analyse planet populations as an ensemble in order to connect observed planetary properties to various planet formation theories. The EXOWORLD network comprises 12 organisations from 8 countries and it will leverage interdisciplinary and international expertise to study the diversity of exoplanets. Secondments will be carried out by both Early Stage Researchers and Experienced Researchers to achieve objectives in four aspects of exoplanet research: detection, characterisation, statistics and habitability. The project will involve a series of training and networking activities aimed at knowledge transfer between participants, enhance individual skills and foster career developments. EXOWORLD will make progress in exoplanet characterisation, and results will be exploited in devising strategic observational and analytical approaches in future missions. Overall, the action will establish a sustainable, collaborative effort in exoplanet science and ultimately addresses some timeless questions “Is the Solar System unique?""""