As far as big dreams go, they don’t come any bigger than those of Dr Adriana Marais. By 2031, she hopes to be heading for Mars, as one of 24 people chosen to colonise the planet in the Mars One mission.

Marais is on the global shortlist of 100 candidates and made the cut for her skills as a theoretical physicist. So it’s no surprise that keeping up with her in conversation demands a high level of intellect.