David Uhlig

Dr. David Uhlig is a Researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences/Institute of Geological Sciences at Freie Universität Berlin. His role includes leading the DEVENDRA Group and serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the ERC Advanced Grant “DEVENDRA” (starting April 2023), focusing on isotope geochemical and mineralogical characterization of weathering profiles and Critical Zone compartments. His research interests center on biogeochemical processes in the Critical Zone, interactions between organic and geogenic nutrient cycles, silicate weathering, and the application of non-traditional stable metal isotopes (e.g., Mg, Li, K) and radiogenic isotope ratios (e.g., 87Sr/86Sr) to understand Earth’s systems.

Uhlig’s work emphasizes the development of analytical methods for element and stable metal isotope analysis, with contributions to studies on nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, the role of deep regolith in mineral nutrient supply, and the impact of subsoil management practices. He has collaborated on projects like the Rock Murder Mystery science film (2023) and studies on Earth’s building blocks (2022).

His research integrates field observations, isotopic analyses, and geochemical modeling to address questions about Critical Zone dynamics, erosion effects on weathering, and agricultural applications of isotopic tools. Key themes include quantifying weathering fluxes, tracing nutrient sources, and understanding biogeochemical imbalances in environmental systems.