Renowned exoplanet researcher Sara Seager is set to return to her native Canada after departing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to join the University of Toronto, her alma mater. For nearly two decades, Seager has been at the forefront of exoplanet exploration, including the quest for Earth 2.0 and extraterrestrial life, even in challenging environments like Venus’ clouds.
Seager expressed her enthusiasm for the move, citing the right timing and her deep ties to Canada, where she has received recognition and awards. Joining the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) as a professor in September 2026, Seager aims to inspire a new generation of researchers and bring her ongoing projects to Canada while embarking on new endeavors.
One of Seager’s ambitious projects involves investigating the possibility of life in Venus’ clouds, following the detection of phosphine, a potential biosignature, in the planet’s atmosphere. Despite initial excitement, subsequent research questioned these findings. To further explore this potential, the Morning Star project is slated to send missions to Venus in the early 2030s, including a balloon mission to collect atmospheric samples.
Seager’s journey in exoplanet research began at a time when only a few exoplanets had been discovered, leading her to spearhead initiatives like Project Starshade, aimed at identifying Earth-like exoplanets by blocking out starlight. Although currently on hold, the project reflects her innovative approach to the field.
The decision to bring Seager back to Canada was influenced by changing dynamics in the U.S., where science programs faced cuts, presenting an opportunity for Canadian science and research. CITA’s emphasis on cutting-edge science aligns with Seager’s pioneering work in exoplanetary systems and atmospheres, marking an exciting development for the institute.
Seager’s interdisciplinary approach, bridging exoplanetary science with organic chemistry and aerosols engineering, resonates with CITA’s mission to connect theoretical astrophysics with diverse scientific fields. As Seager prepares to rejoin her academic roots in Toronto, she looks forward to advancing research on exoplanets and exploring the fundamental aspects of life beyond Earth.