Marta Bianciotto

Marta Bianciotto bridges two worlds that rarely meet — the mysteries of the cosmos and the challenges of the climbing wall. As a doctoral candidate in physics with a focus on astroparticle physics, she studies the most energetic particles in the universe while also finding joy in the precision and problem-solving of bouldering. In this interview, Marta shares her passion for both climbing and astrophysics, her goals for the future, and the fun quirks that make her unique.

Quick Facts

• Name: Marta Bianciotto
• From: Torino, Italy
• Profession: Doctoral candidate in physics (astroparticle physics)
• Climbing since: 2 years
• Home gym: Escape Climbing Garden (Torino, Italy)
• Climbing specialty: Bouldering
• Favorite climber to watch: Janja Garnbret
• Three words to describe herself: Precise, curious, determined

Climbing Journey

Q: How long have you been climbing for?

A: I have been climbing for 2 years.

Q: How did you get into rock climbing?

A: I had always wanted to try climbing, but I never really had the chance. Two years ago, some colleagues from my physics department invited me to join them at the climbing gym. From that moment on, I got hooked on bouldering.

Q: What is your home gym? And where is it located?

A: My home gym is Escape Climbing Garden, located in Torino, Italy.

Q: What outdoor climbing project do you have currently? And how long have you been working on it?

A: Right now, I am working on improving my outdoor bouldering. I don’t have a specific long-term project yet, but I’ve been trying some 6B+ problems that challenge both my strength and technique.

Q: Who is your favourite climber to watch? And why?

A: I enjoy watching Janja Garnbret. Her climbing looks so effortless, precise, and fluid—it’s really inspiring to see how she combines power and grace.

Q: If you were a rock climbing hold, which one would you be? And why?

A: I’d be a crimp—sharp and precise.

Q: What is your go-to climbing music? And why?

A: I usually listen to rock music, and most of the time it’s Linkin Park. Their energy always gets me in the right mood to climb.

Life in Physics & Astrophysics

Q: How did you get into astrophysics?

A: Since I was a child, I have always been curious about how natural phenomena work. At first, I actually studied classical humanities—Greek, Latin, and history—in high school. But I realized I needed something more challenging and fulfilling. So I pursued a bachelor’s degree in physics, then a master’s in nuclear physics. Later, I became fascinated by cosmic rays, which led me to pursue a PhD in astroparticle physics.

Q: What is your dissertation about?

A: My dissertation focuses on studying the origin of the most energetic particles in the Universe—ultra-high-energy cosmic rays—using data from the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Q: What is your main focus of study in astrophysics currently?

A: My research is about trying to figure out where the most energetic particles in the Universe come from and how they move through space before reaching Earth. I look for patterns in how they arrive across the sky and study how our Galaxy’s magnetic field bends their paths. I also contribute to projects that will help future space missions detect these cosmic messengers from above the Earth’s atmosphere.

Q: What is your long-term goal in astrophysics?

A: My long-term goal is to pursue an academic career and eventually become a professor.

Fun Questions

Q: What TV show would you want to have a guest role or cameo on? And why?

A: I’d love to have a cameo on a detective show like Sherlock because I love mysteries—and it would be fun to help solve a case with science!

Q: If you could climb with any celebrity dead or alive, who would it be? And why?

A: I’d love to climb with Magnus Midtbø. I kinda have a crush on that guy.

Q: If you were a candy, which one would you be? And why?

A: I’d be a sour gummy—sweet but with a bite.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? And why?

A: I’d like to travel to Lapland and see the Northern Lights. The mix of wild landscapes and such a magical natural phenomenon would be a dream experience.

Q: If you could eat one thing the rest of your life and nothing else, what would it be? And why?

A: Pizza—because it’s versatile, delicious, and comforting, and you can never really get tired of it.

Q: What is a fact about you that people would be surprised to find out?

A: That I used to study Greek and Latin in high school, and only later switched to physics—it’s not a very common academic path.