Jan-Peter Duda

Prof. Jan-Peter Duda is a Full Professor (W3) and Head of the Department of Geobiology at the University of Göttingen’s Geoscience Center. His research focuses on geobiology, astrobiology, and the interplay between life and Earth’s environments. He leads the Duda Lab, exploring microbial biosignatures, origins of life, and geo-bio interactions across geological timescales.

Education:

• Dr. rer. nat., University of Göttingen (2014, summa cum laude)
• MSc Geosciences, University of Bremen (2010)
• BSc Geosciences, University of Bremen (2007)

Research Interests:

• Microbial metabolisms and environmental evolution
• Formation and preservation of ancient biosignatures
• Astrobiological exploration of habitable worlds
• Sedimentological and geochemical studies of early Earth systems

Awards & Honors:

• Corresponding member, Göttingen Academy of Sciences (2025)
• DFG Emmy-Noether Fellowship (2020)
• Best Oral Presentation Award (2014)

Professional Service:

• Vice President, Paläontologische Gesellschaft (since 2025)
• Editorial roles: PalZ, International Journal of Astrobiology
• Member, International Commission on Stratigraphy committees

Labs & Teams: Leads the Duda Lab at Göttingen, collaborating with global institutions like Northwest University Xi’an and the International Max Planck Research School.