7.4 million euros for research into the interplay between life and our planet

The ‘Living Planet’ research proposal, led by principal applicant Prof. Dr Martijn Egas, has been awarded 7.4 million euros under the ‘Research on Pathways through Consortia’ (ORC) programme of the National Research Agenda (NWA). The project will conduct interdisciplinary research into the past, present and future of life and the Earth. In addition, the UG and the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) are involved in a further six research projects that have been awarded funding. The UG acts as the lead partner within the Living Planet consortium.

The ORC encourages researchers to collaborate with knowledge institutions and societal partners. In this way, knowledge derived from research is channelled into policy and practice. The funded projects cover a wide range of topics. The depletion of natural resources, climate change and the rapid development of the digital landscape present us with major challenges.

How life and the planet are interdependent

Life and the Earth have shaped one another throughout history. Whilst conditions on Earth influence how life evolves, living organisms also alter the climate, the atmosphere and the geology. This project studies this reciprocal relationship in the past, present and future.

By combining biology, geology and planetary science, researchers aim to understand how Earth’s conditions affect the element cycles of organisms and communities, how life influences chemical and rock cycles, how this alters planetary conditions, and what traces of life this leaves behind. This knowledge helps to predict the future of the Earth and to search for life beyond Earth.

National Science Agenda Programme

The National Science Agenda (NWA) arose from questions posed by members of the public about the world and the societal challenges of today and tomorrow. In the NWA programme, the connection between science and society is essential. Governments, researchers, civil society organisations and members of the public bring together different perspectives and expertise to develop and utilise knowledge for societal and scientific impact. This knowledge is shared with society through science communication to increase engagement with and trust in science.

Funded proposals

Six other research projects have each been awarded approximately 7.4 million euros. The UG and the UMCG are involved in these as a consortium partner.

UG

• VITRUVIAS: VItal Transdisciplinary Research Unlocking societal Value Integration for AgrivoltaicS
• Circular Alignment of Objects Redundant In Energy-systems (CALORIE)
• Transforming Toys through Materials, Design and Behaviour (TOYS)
• MobilityReset - Reimagining the drivers of climate-neutral mobility
• SHIELD: Social Media’s Harmful Impact and Effective Long-term Depolarization

UMCG

• ROOTS1000- Research on Opportunities for Optimal Thriving and Scalability in the First 1000 Days

Read more about the reserach proposal on the website of NWO