Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith hails from Ipswich, in the east of England, where his lifelong fascination with prehistory, particularly dinosaurs, set him on a scholarly path in the natural sciences. He pursued these interests through his school years, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Geology with Palaeobiology from the University of Leicester in 2018. It was during his time at Leicester that a lecture on Martian life piqued his interest in astrobiology—the study of life in the universe.

This newfound passion steered him towards a Master of Geology at Lund University in Sweden, where he specialised in astrobiology. His thesis explored the necessity of low levels of atmospheric oxygen for the development of complex life and its implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. Since completing his master's in 2022, Thomas has been an active participant in astrobiology conferences globally, while residing between the UK and Sweden in pursuit of a career in this enthralling scientific domain.

In addition to his scientific pursuits, Thomas has always been deeply engaged with various forms of media. An avid reader from a young age, he appreciates the universal and transformative power of art. His diverse professional experiences, ranging from retail to pharmacy and currently in a role dedicated to the safeguarding of young people at a college, equip him with a versatile skill set and broad knowledge base that are invaluable across multiple contexts.