Historically, astrobiology research has focused on understanding the question of life in the universe by studying microorganisms and their ability to inhabit extreme environments. Over the years, this discipline has evolved to integrate detailed biological and chemical processes in a planetary science context. The exoplanet revolution has challenged ideas on the necessary conditions for life to emerge and evolve. Our understanding has expanded considerably in recent years, and interest in the subject has spread widely across many disciplines in the natural sciences.
Understanding the earliest stages of life’s emergence on Earth remains a formidable challenge. While experiments have successfully demonstrated the prebiotic synthesis of amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides, the leap to more complex, self-replicating molecules like RNA and DNA is still not fully understood, let alone the emergence of the first cell. Deciphering the processes underlying early biosynthesis, as well as the chemical and physical conditions that enabled them, remains a highly complex and experimentally demanding task. The oldest widely accepted evidence of life on Earth comes from the 3.43 billion year old Strelley Pool Formation, about one billion years after the formation of the Earth. However, molecular clock analyses and geochemical data – such as carbon isotope signatures – suggest that life may have originated even earlier, possibly during the Hadean eon.
This raises several questions: Were conditions on the early Earth too harsh or unsuitable for life to emerge in the first billion years? Or did life emerge before 3.5 billion years ago but remain undetected due to the inadequacy of the geological record? And how did the emergence of life interact with and shape Earth’s planetary environment?
The drastic change in the composition of the early Earth’s atmosphere from anoxic to slightly oxygenated, an event known as the Great Oxygenation Event, was probably driven by the evolution of microbial ecosystems in which oxygenic photosynthesis became more prevalent. Nevertheless, the structurally unique character of life on Earth implicitly defines a concrete framework of chemical and physical processes in place during the initial phase of the Earth’s geological history, efficiently generating the basic molecular building blocks of life and leading to the transition to emerging biological entities. Understanding life on Earth requires an integrated approach, involving interdisciplinary components that connect detailed chemical processes at its origins, global biological evolution (including extinctions), and their interactions within a planetary context, spanning several orders of magnitude in both space and time. The NCCR Genesis proposes an innovative research framework structured around three fundamental questions:
I What processes generate the transition from prebiotic molecules to biological entities?
II What are the conditions that enable biological evolution, and how does life impact planetary environments?
III What defines a planetary environment as a cradle of prebiotic chemistry, and how do we refine the search for geological and biological signatures?
Each of these questions defines a research Theme consisting of a total of 20 targeted well-defined projects that can be carried out during Phase I, led by Principal Investigators (PIs), in collaboration with Co-Investigators (Co-Is) and contributing experts from various research institutions. The projects are inherently interconnected, fostering collaboration through co-supervised PhD students. They integrate synergies between each of them by sharing equipment, and pooling resources and expertise.
The fundamental questions addressed by NCCR Genesis are of profound interest, not only to scientists but also to society at large. Humanity’s place in the universe is a topic of significant societal relevance, inspiring public engagement through documentaries, museum exhibits, and media coverage. It has also served as a rich source of inspiration for art and fiction throughout history. Such topics provide a unique gateway to connect people with science, and to inspire bright young minds to pursue scientific careers. The NCCR Genesis recognises this broad interest and will be looking to capitalise on it to involve the public and to propose educational initiatives.
In addition to their intellectual appeal, these research endeavours have the potential to deliver tangible societal benefits. Key objectives of NCCR Genesis include advancing fields such as RNA self-regeneration, DNA-encoded peptide libraries, and the selfregulation of macromolecules. The initiative also aims to develop innovative analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry, cellular microscopy, biomedical imaging, and advanced planetary simulations. Innovations in experimental equipment and novel analytical protocols developed through this research may also have broader applications in other scientific fields. A dedicated mechanism, through a platform structure, has been established to facilitate collaborations with industrial partners who have expressed an interest in NCCR Genesis, thus ensuring that the research results potentially translate into relevant advances for industry, in terms of both human talent and of innovation.
A cornerstone of the NCCR Genesis vision is the cultivation and support of a vibrant research community, guided by the principles of diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Our core values drive our commitment to creating an environment where individuals from all backgrounds are empowered to contribute, collaborate, and innovate. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists by providing equitable opportunities for growth and success, reflecting the rich diversity of both the scientific community and society as a whole. NCCR Genesis does not follow a membership-based model. Instead, researchers affiliated with Swiss higher education institutions will have a wealth of opportunities to engage with and benefit from its activities.