How to run a tiny town in the middle of the desert
Vanessa Peidro's colleagues affectionately dub her "the mayor of Paranal," a title she finds amusing given her unexpected journey into political office. Paranal Observatory, home to ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT), functions as more than just a telescope site; it resembles a miniature town, accommodating around 150 people at a time. Vanessa's role is to oversee its operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of facilities and services for astronomers and engineers.
Her responsibilities encompass logistics like transportation, accommodation, and catering, as well as maintaining the non-telescope infrastructure. Vanessa's background in international law and diplomacy, along with experience managing projects and teams, prepared her well for this role, despite the shift in focus from diplomacy to science.
Despite the logistical challenges posed by Paranal's remote desert location, Vanessa and her team ensure that everything runs smoothly. Their work involves coordination akin to conducting an orchestra, with a constant focus on improving conditions for the observatory's inhabitants.
Vanessa's pride in her work is evident, especially in her efforts to foster a supportive community atmosphere amid the desert's isolation. She cherishes the human connection and finds joy in enhancing people's experiences at Paranal.
Looking ahead, the construction of ESO's Extremely Large Telescope presents new logistical hurdles. Vanessa is part of the team tackling the challenge of integrating operations between the two telescopes sustainably and efficiently, reflecting ESO's commitment to advancing science while minimizing environmental impact.
Through it all, Vanessa's dedication to her role shines brightly. She envisions a future where her efforts contribute not only to the success of astronomical research but also to the sustainability of observatory operations for generations to come. Her passion for her work is infectious, leaving listeners eager to experience Paranal's unique blend of scientific innovation and communal spirit.
Vanessa emphasizes the importance of her role by stating, "My job is to ensure everything works correctly and efficiently so the astronomers and engineers working in Paranal can do their job easily, pleasantly and in good conditions." She also highlights the challenges of maintaining operations in the remote desert environment, saying, "It’s a lot of little pieces you have to keep in mind," and expresses her joy in fostering a supportive community atmosphere, stating, "I like making people feel good, and I can do that in this job."
