Tais Wittchen Dahl

Tais Wittchen Dahl is an Associate Professor of Geobiology at the University of Copenhagen, holding dual appointments at the Globe Institute (Section for Geobiology) and the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (Geology). Her research focuses on reconstructing Earth's climate and oxygenation history through geochemical experiments, observations in the rock record, and theoretical Earth system modeling, with particular emphasis on the co-evolution of life and Earth's environment.

Education:

• PhD in Geochemistry, University of Copenhagen (2005-2009)
• MSc in Geophysics, University of Copenhagen (2004-2005)
• BSc in Physics, University of Copenhagen (2000-2004)

Dahl's research interests span biogeochemistry, geobiology, isotope geochemistry, environmental science, planetary science, and geology. Her work centers on understanding the co-evolution of life and Earth's environment, particularly focusing on oxygenation events throughout Earth's history and their relationship to biological evolution. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of metal-silicate mixing during planetary accretion, molybdenum isotope composition in ancient oceans, and the impact of early land plants on Earth's oxygen levels.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on Earth's oxygenation history, with particular emphasis on the Cambrian and Devonian periods. Her work often combines geochemical analyses (particularly molybdenum and uranium isotopes) with paleontological data to reconstruct ancient ocean conditions and their relationship to evolutionary events. A recurring theme is the investigation of marine anoxia events and their impact on biogeochemical cycles throughout Earth's history, with methodological innovations in trace metal analysis.

Scientific Awards:

• Adjunct Professor at China University of Geosciences, Wuhan (2019)
• ERC Starting Grant Interview, Panel PE10 (2016)
• Inge Lehmann's Scholarship for research visit at University of Exeter (2013)
• Member of the board, Young Academy, Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters (2012)
• Villum Young Investigator Programme (2013)
• Carlsberg Distinguished Associate Professor Fellowship (2017)

Dahl has supervised numerous students including MSc Julius Havsteen, MSc Sune F. Månsson, and others. Her research has been supported by significant grants including the Carlsberg Distinguished Associate Professor Fellowship (2017), Villum Foundation Young Investigator Grant (2013-15), and multiple grants from the Danish Council for Independent Research. She has organized EarthTalks bi-weekly seminars through Geocenter Danmark (2017-19) and received infrastructure funding from the Carlsberg Foundation (2015).

Dahl leads a highly cross-disciplinary research group that bridges planetary sciences, climate science, and geophysics with geochemistry. Her team collaborates with research groups nationally and internationally, reflecting the global nature of Earth system science. Her work has been published in top journals including Nature Geoscience, PNAS, and Earth and Planetary Science Letters, and has generated significant public interest through press releases and media appearances.