Man smiling in front of a teal background with stars

;

Meet Dr Gordon Yip

Science At King’s: Hear from our experts

10 December 2025

Technology & Science

Meet Dr Gordon Yip, who recently joined King’s to continue exploring how AI can help investigate the planets outside of our solar system. Known as exoplanets, Dr Yip is researching their atmospheres, formation, and evolution, using computer models developed on planet Earth. Dr Yip is also part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Ariel mission, which launches into space in 2029. Ariel will provide images and data to help astronomers study exoplanets. The mission is a consortium of more than 600 scientists and 50 institutions, led by King’s College London’s Professor Giovanna Tinetti. It is the largest mission led by the UK to date.

Dr Yip said: “I’m fascinated by exoplanets and use AI to make sense of the data we get from space- and ground-based telescopes.

“My research focuses on planets beyond our solar system, particularly their atmospheres. I use AI and machine learning to make sense of the data we receive from various observations. This allows me and my theoretical colleagues to better interpret the data and work together to understand how planets form and evolve.

“I also serve as Machine Learning Lead Coordinator for the ESA Ariel Space Mission, helping the mission reach its full potential by harnessing AI to unlock the secrets of distant worlds.

“In the Ariel team, I’m the lead of the Machine Learning Working Group, coordinating with different science teams to identify where AI and machine learning can advance their efforts. I also lead the Ariel Data Challenge and hackathon series, a major outreach programme that connects Ariel with external communities across the globe.

I love engaging with the broader community. I lead the Ariel Data Challenge and run AI-planetary science hackathons across Europe, connecting with diverse communities to show how AI can spark curiosity about our universe—and even help make life on our own planet better.– Dr Gordon Yip

“One thing I love about this role is the travel—our consortium meetings rotate between partner institutes, so I get to visit different countries and meet incredible people from all over. Over time, it really starts to feel like a close-knit group of friends you see regularly.

“I also love the diversity of the work. Organising these activities means wearing multiple hats: one moment I’m focused on science, the next I’m thinking about how to promote the project or engage participants. That variety keeps every day exciting and dynamic.”