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Areas of Expertise
Data Science • Quantum Computing • Corporate Innovation
About Adriana
“The reason I want to go to Mars is simple: The allure of the unknown is far more powerful than the comfort of the known.” Adriana Marais – theoretical physicist, Head of Innovation at SAP Africa, Director at the Foundation for Space Development and aspiring extra-terrestrial – believes that we are living at a unique point in the history of life on Earth.
Developments in science and technology are taking place at an unprecedented rate and the expansion of our society beyond this planet is within reach. As a member of the SingularityU South Africa faculty, I talk about my research in quantum biology and the origins of life, the technology required to sustain terrestrial life on Mars and the various projects that aim to send crewed missions there.
I discuss how the establishment, and potential discovery of evidence of, life on Mars, would be one of the most profound possible contributions of science to humanity, as well as how technological developments inspired by space exploration are crucial for creating a sustainable future on Earth.
SingularityU South Africa Faculty Member
As a member of the SingularityU South Africa faculty, I speak about my research in quantum biology, the origins of life, the technology required to sustain terrestrial life on Mars, space exploration and the potential of crewed missions to the red planet. I also discuss how technological developments inspired by space exploration can create a sustainable future on Earth.
Theoretical Physicist (MSc Quantum cryptography, PhD Quantum Biology)
I hold an MSc in quantum cryptography and a PhD in quantum biology. My research focuses on photosynthesis and the origins of life. I have authored numerous articles and received a range of awards, including the International L’Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Award (2015) and Royal Society of South Africa Meiring Naude Medal (2016). I was also selected as a leading young physicist to attend and speak at the prestigious 66th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2016).
Head of Innovation at SAP Africa
As Head of Innovation at SAP Africa since 2017, I am passionate about creative applications of emerging technologies that will improve people’s lives across Africa and the world. I was selected to speak as a Rising Talent at the Women’s Economic Forum in 2017. I am currently pursuing a second PhD in economics, which focuses on designing a resource-based economics model that will facilitate sustainable expansion beyond Earth.
Director at the Foundation for Space Development
As Director at the Foundation for Space Development, I am planning a Mars simulation expedition to Anarctica in the winter of 2020. I am also driving the Africa2Moon project that aims to inspire African youth to ‘reach for the Moon’ through education, science and space exploration.
Astronaut Candidate, Mars One Project
I have always dreamed about living on another planet and am one of 100 Mars One Project astronaut candidates in line to move to Mars in the coming decade. I believe that establishing, and possibly discovering evidence of, life on Mars, will be our most profound human achievement yet.