Maria Philippa Rossi, M.A.

What’s the work that you do?

I’m a journalist and an author living in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. I’ve written a childrens’ book on science in the Arctic, featuring scientists from a broad range of fields: northern lights research, wildlife, permafrost, glaciers etc. The book is beautifully illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows, and was chosen as focus title spring 2026 by NORLA (Norwegian literature abroad) and nominated to Indie book of 2025 in Norway.

What keeps you going?

Curious children keep me going! I loved writing the book, but sharing the scientists’ stories and discoveries with a greater audience has been just as rewarding. Being able to captivate 60 seven-year-olds for 45 minutes by introducing them to the incredible world of Arctic science makes all the long days and nights of hard work worthwhile.

What’s your message to the world?

Never stop asking questions! The scientists I interview in Arctic mysteries all had different interests when they were younger, but what they had in common – and still have in common – is that they never stopped being curious. They asked questions about the environment and what goes on around us, and it made them into the scientists they are today.