Julie Cosmidis

Julie Cosmidis is an Associate Professor of Geobiology at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Wolfson College. Her research group investigates microbial biomineralization mechanisms, particularly how microbes produce minerals with unique properties affecting environmental reactivity and biogeochemical cycles. She also explores applications in sustainable materials production, aiming to advance a circular bioeconomy. Her teaching spans aqueous geochemistry, microbial sediment studies, mineralogical methods, and planetary coevolution.

Her research interests emphasize understanding organic-mineral interactions in biominerals, their preservation in geological records, and astrobiological relevance. She works on biominerals’ roles as biosignatures for early life on Earth and extraterrestrial environments, alongside developing microbial processes for high-value mineral synthesis.

Her publications highlight trends in microbial mineral formation pathways, environmental preservation of organic materials, and experimental studies on prebiotic systems. Key themes include iron-sulfur mineral dynamics, carbonate polymorphism, and the societal implications of metastable minerals.

• Award: MSA Award Lecture (2012).

She leads the Microbe-Mineral Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary research at molecular to global scales. Her work bridges fundamental geobiology with applied biotechnology, addressing both environmental challenges and astrobiological exploration needs.