My main scientific interest are geodynamical processes on planetary scales. To study these I use numerical models, which allow me to accurately control initial and boundary conditions for a certain setup. These models give a detailed insight into the evolution of planetary interiors. The application of analytical models helps to pinpoint the basic physics governing the numerical models and to predict the general behaviour of the system.

I'm working mostly on the early thermomechanical evolution of terrestrial planets in our solar system and beyond. Other research topics include the evolution of comets and both strain weakening and grain size evolution in Earth's lower mantle. The study of planet formation and both early and long-term thermochemical evolution is an exciting task as data and models from such different disciplines as astrophysics, geochemistry and rock physics can be combined with computational geodynamics to get a better understanding of the processes shaping the planetary bodies.

I'm involved in organizing the Impact and German-Swiss Geodynamics workshops, both of which take place every two years.

                                                Impact Workshop 2026