Precise time measurement underwater, intelligent data management, the legal framework for the energy transition, or citizen science in the context of soil sampling: these are just a few of the ten topics that the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is supporting internally this year. As part of an idea competition, eight innovation projects in the field of technology transfer and two knowledge transfer projects have been selected for funding. As in previous years, the eight innovation projects will be financed from the GFZ Innovation Fund established in 2017, as well as from additional transfer revenue generated by the GFZ. All funded projects will be carried out over the next eight months.

Projects to promote knowledge transfer with society

The two selected knowledge transfer projects address societal challenges. Their aim is to strengthen dialogue with selected target groups in society.

FERN.Lern Refresh 

(Dr Alison Beamish, Section 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics): 

FERN. Lern has been successfully established at the GFZ as a hub for knowledge transfer in the field of Earth observation. The new “FERN.Lern Refresh” project will enable work to update and revise the platform, thereby further increasing the relevance and reach of the service.

BodenWelten 

(Dr Alexander Bartholomäus, Section 3.3 Geomicrobiology):

This citizen science project is based on the core idea of involving citizens as active research partners in the scientific investigation of microbial soil biodiversity. Through three complementary channels – an interactive information website, a structured soil sample submission programme and monthly exchange forums – a growing knowledge archive is being created for the long-term monitoring of soil health.

Eight innovation projects from the GFZ

Among the innovation projects aimed at the technological advancement of equipment, data platforms and procedures, the jury selected the following eight projects for funding in 2026:
 

Data logger atomic clock 

(Dr Christian Haberland, Section 2.2 Geophysical Imaging):

The aim of the project is to integrate a compact atomic clock module into autonomous GFZ data loggers to enable high-precision time measurement in the deep sea. This significantly improves the quality of seismic data by minimising time lag in long-term measurements.

SLICE 

(Dr Jens Turowski, Section 4.6 Geomorphology): 

As part of SLICE, software is being developed for the intelligent curation and exchange of research data. The system optimises internal data management and facilitates the provision of valuable environmental data to the scientific community.

XregnetLink 

(Dr Alison Beamish, Section 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics): 

This project integrates high-resolution X-band radar precipitation data directly into municipal geoportals to support authorities in heavy rainfall preparedness. This pilot project aims to bridge the gap between scientific data collection and practical application in disaster management.

MCGS-RTK 

(Dr.-Ing. Carsten Falck, Section 1.2 Global Geomonitoring and Gravity Field): 

The project extends a cost-effective GNSS measurement system (Global Navigation Satellite System) with a real-time kinematic (RTK) function for high-precision monitoring of geological hazard sites and structures. This allows even the slightest movements of slopes or infrastructure to be detected and visualised immediately.

FluMoMaximus 

(M.Sc. Lioba Virchow, Section 4.3 Geoenergy): 

Here, a portable, robust measurement system for real-time monitoring of groundwater quality at drilling sites and geothermal plants is being further developed. The system enables rapid on-site analysis at the Earth’s surface and reduces reliance on time-consuming laboratory tests.

BEAD 

(Dr Patrick Frings, Section 3.2 Organic and Earth Surface Geochemistry): 

The project is developing materials for the biologically enhanced weathering of basalt in agriculture to permanently sequester atmospheric CO₂ in the soil. The aim is to develop a validated process for the growing market in carbon dioxide removal credits.

SMARTwaterAPP 

(Dipl.-Ing. Torsten Queißer, Section 4.6 Geomorphology): 

The focus is on developing an intuitive app and user interface for a novel isotope sampler in environmental monitoring. This significantly simplifies the administration of the device and paves the way for subsequent licensing to external partners.

GEOLEGAL 

(Prof. Dr Michael Kühn, Section 3.4 Reactive Fluids and Geomaterials) 

This project is dedicated to the legal validation of the geological storage of synthetic methane, taking into account current energy legislation. By identifying regulatory hurdles, the groundwork is laid for the implementation of power-to-gas concepts and potential spin-offs.
 

Further information on the innovation projects can be found here and on the knowledge transfer projects here.