Jochen Brocks

Professor Jochen Brocks is a leading academic in geobiology and organic geochemistry at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Research School of Earth Sciences and the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS). His research focuses on Paleobiogeochemistry, exploring ancient ecosystems through molecular fossils (biomarkers) preserved in sedimentary rocks. He investigates the origins of life, mass extinctions, and the emergence of complex life forms. Brocks holds a PhD from the University of Sydney (2002) and conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University (2001–2004). His work bridges geochemistry, microbiology, and paleontology, often involving interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Education: MSc (Physical Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg), PhD (Biomarkers in Archean Rocks, University of Sydney)
• Affiliations: ANU Research School of Earth Sciences, ICEDS

Research highlights include identifying Dickinsonia as one of Earth's earliest animals using steroid biomarkers (2018), reconstructing Proterozoic salinity dynamics (2025), and challenging early animal evidence through algal biomarker studies (2021). His grants include projects on molecular fossils and the rise of algae, funded by ANU and international agencies. Brocks supervises PhD students and collaborates on initiatives like the Zero Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific Initiative.

Notable labs/teams: Research School of Earth Sciences Geochemistry Group, ICEDS Climate Research Unit.