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Julie Cosmidis is an Associate Professor of Geobiology at the University of Oxford, where her research group focuses on microbial biomineralization. This process involves how microbes produce minerals, showcasing life's ability to shape the inorganic world. Biominerals exhibit unique properties, including original morphologies, out-of-equilibrium compositions, and structures alongside organic matrices. These properties significantly influence the reactivity and bioavailability of biominerals in the environment, affecting their roles in biogeochemical cycles. Due to their distinctive characteristics, microbial biominerals are essential in searching for early life on Earth and are proposed as targets for astrobiological exploration on other planets. Her main goal is to decipher the molecular-level mechanisms of microbial biomineralization, particularly the organic-mineral interactions that endow biominerals with special properties. In addition to their critical role in biogeochemical cycles, microbial 'biomineral factories' are being used to produce high-value materials for technological applications. Her work involves developing novel microbial processes for the bioproduction of high-value minerals and materials, contributing to mineral biomanufacturing and advancing the circular bioeconomy.
Department of Politics and International Relations - Higher Level English requirement.