09.11.2015: The Helmholtz Young Investigators Group proposal CRYSTALS "Continental Rift Dynamics Across the Scales: Understanding Observations Through Numerical Modelling " has been approved at this year’s selection round. In collaboration with the research group of Prof. Manfred Strecker for General Geology at the University of Potsdam, Dr. Sascha Brune, will establish the Young Investigators Group as of June 2016 within GFZ’s Geodynamic modelling section.

Continental rifts and their end products, rifted continental margins, not only constitute the longest tectonic features on Earth, they also provide a unique window into the geodynamic system of our planet. CRYSTALS starts in June 2016 and will use a comprehensive multi-scale numerical modelling design in order to reveal the geodynamic processes that govern rift dynamics. Another goal is to investigate the driving forces for continental extension and the feedback of rifting on global plate kinematics. Profound understanding of the tectonic evolution of continental rifting will also provide key insights for exploration of geothermal systems within rifts and hydrocarbon exploration at rifted continental margins.

With the Helmholtz Young Investigators Groups, the Helmholtz Association fosters the early academic independence of its young researchers that can build and lead their own research team during 5 years. Young Investigators Group leaders work in cooperation with universities, and are given the chance to gain teaching experience and to acquire the qualifications necessary for a university career.