Research Group Mineralogy

Our group investigates the transformative processes within Earth’s mineral systems, focusing on how fluid-mineral interactions shape the planet’s crust and mantle. By integrating techniques from mineralogy, nanoscience, and geochemistry, we address complex questions about Earth system dynamics across multiple scales, from atomic interactions to large-scale cascading effects. Our research, conducted with a commitment to open science, provides critical insights into natural processes and advances sustainable resource management. Through cutting-edge analytical methods and a cross-disciplinary approach, we aim to uncover the mechanisms driving mineralogical changes in Earth’s subsurface systems.

Key Research Themes:
Fluid-Mineral Interactions: Exploring the interplay of chemical and physical processes involved in mineral transformations driven by fluid interactions. Nanogeosciences and Mineral Physics: Investigating atomic-scale processes to quantify mineral and fluid behaviour, including interfacial phenomena and nanoparticle formation. Sustainable Earth Materials: Developing mineralogical solutions for sustainable re-source management to reduce environmental impacts.
Multi-scale imaging: Creating imaging approaches that span various spatial and length scales to analyse the properties of Earth's materials. AI-Driven Modelling in Earth Materials Science: Leveraging AI and ML to create predictive models for mineral behaviour and complex geosystems.
KI-gestütztes Modellieren in der Materialwissenschaft der Erde: Nutzung von KI und maschinellem Lernen zur Erstellung prädiktiver Modelle für das Verhalten von Mineralien und komplexen Geosystemen.

Methods

Our research combines natural observations (land and sea-based) with laboratory experiments and advanced multi-scale and multi-dimensional microscopy (e.g., X-ray tomography, TEM, VSI) with computational techniques and artificial intelligence (AI).