27.10.2025

DFG: Priority Programme “Reconstructing the deep dynamics of planet Earth over geologic time (DeepDyn)”

Deadline: 14 January 2026

In March 2022, the Senate of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) established the Priority Programme “Reconstructing the deep dynamics of planet Earth over geologic time (DeepDyn)” (SPP 2404). The programme is designed to run for six years. The present call invites proposals for the second three-year funding period.

Proposals for the second round should advance the understanding of the lower mantle’s influence on the dynamo through geologic time. It is intended to continue along the five existing themes, namely:

1. reliable paleomagnetic data and geomagnetic models and
2. state-of-the-art dynamo simulations that together provide information on the evolution of the core dynamo;
3. realistic mantle evolution reconstructions over >10 Myr time scales that provide essential boundary conditions for the long-term core dynamics;
4. robust estimates of core and mantle structure and properties that determine the parameters of core and mantle dynamics; and constraints on geomagnetic field evolution from
5. magnetotactic organisms (biomagnetism). Individual proposals should specify the most relevant theme(s) in each case; proposals spanning multiple themes are particularly encouraged.

Research themes within the goals of DeepDyn should clearly aim at understanding the long-term evolution of Earth’s deep interior, for example :

• The dynamics of and interaction between core and mantle
• The changes in magnetic reversal frequencies and superchrons
• The characteristics of field reversals
• The composition, structure and properties of the lower mantle and core
• Effects of stratified layers, CMB topography and inner core growth on core dynamics
• The influence of time-varying magnetic fields on the adaptation and evolution of magnetotactic species and the preservation of magnetofossils in the rock record

In order to keep the programme focused, DeepDyn does not address topics:

• outside the Earth system (not comparative planetology);
• related to Sun-Earth interactions (space weather);
• on early solar system or planetary formation;
• related to the upper layers of the Earth (lithosphere, upper to mid-lower mantle);
• observations from satellites or observatories (not the recent magnetic field).

Biologic studies should be restricted solely to organisms that leave magnetofossils.

Please submit your proposal in English to the DFG by 14 January 2026.

The DFG strongly welcomes proposals from researchers of all genders and sexual identities, from different ethnic, cultural, religious, ideological or social backgrounds, from different career stages, types of universities and research institutions, and with disabilities or chronic illness. With regard to the subject-specific focus of this call, the DFG encourages female researchers in particular to submit proposals.

Further information:
https://www.dfg.de/de/aktuelles/neuigkeiten-themen/info-wissenschaft/2025/ifw-25-75