Astrobiologist of the Month

WOLF DIETRICH GEPPERT
“My own interests focus on the following questions: To which extent can biomolecules and their precursors be formed already in space and from which stage of the biochemical evolution planetary conditions are necessary? Furthermore: Is there a possibility to synthesize the basic building stones of life already under very extreme conditions.”

Position
Professor of Chemical Physics at Stockholm University

Career Pathway
1991: B. Sc. at the University of Vienna, AT (with distinction)
1995: M. Sc. at the University of Vienna, AT (with distinction)
1999: Ph.D. at the University of York, UK
1999-2001: Postdoc at the University of Bordeaux, FR
2001-2002: Post-doc at the University of Helsinki, Finland
2002-2004: Marie Curie Individual Fellowship at Stockholm University, SE
2004-2006 Junior Researcher at Stockholm University, SE funded by Swedish Research Council
2006-2012 Junior Researcher at Stockholm University, SE funded by Swedish Research Council
2012-2014 Lecturer at Stockholm University, SE
2014 - now: Full Professor at Stockholm University
2019 - now: Chair of the European Astrobiology Institute

Research Topics
Astrochemistry, Kinetics, Molecular Astrophysics, Spectroscopy, ab Initio Calculations, Radioastronomy, Geobiology.

Interesting new results and observations have been obtained from space missions (e.g. many nitrogen-containing compounds that could serve as biomolecule precursors have been detected by the Cassini-Huygens mission in a much higher abundance than previously expected). These findings could deliver new insights into the primeval solar system and the origin of life on our own planet.

For my research I employ a multitude of different methods and devices: ion storage rings, guided beam apparatuses, chemical network models, ab initio calculations, radiofrequency and infrared spectroscopy and radioastronomical observations. I have also been involved in expeditions to investigate live in lava cav.es and fresh lava fields in Iceland and on the Azores.  This interdisciplinary multi-method approach fits my interest very well.

Why did you decide to become an Astrobiologist?
During my oral studies I had the chance to be part of a Research Training Network on astrochemistry which allowed me to get involved in a multidisciplinary network involving astronomers, physicists and chemists alike. This prompted my decision to become an astrochemist and to drive my own research project as a Marie Curie Fellow at Stockholm University. In 2006 we launched a Graduate School in astrobiology at Stockholm University which was funded by the Swedish Research Council and turned out to be very successful. I was appointed Director of Studies for this school and organised many training events for students. In 2014 I became Vice-Chair of the EU COST Action: "Origins and evolution of life on Earth and in the Universe (ORIGINS)" which was very productive and organised many events in the field. One outcome of this action was the founding of the European Astrobiology Institute for which I as elected Chair in 2019.

If your lab/research group had a nickname, what would it be?
Wolf Pack

Are you accepting students?
No