GeoPlaNet project / Presentation

The spectacular and steady progress of space exploration during the last 30 years has allowed the development of a discipline that had hitherto remained limited in the world of planetary science: Planetary Geosciences. These are characterised by a particularly fertile and increasing involvement at the international level, of specialists of the Earth (geologists, geophysicists, geochemists) in understanding evolutionary processes of other planets. Planetary Geosciences is an interdisciplinary approach combining expertises in observation, experimentation and modelling.

The “Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géodynamique” from the University of Nantes has gained a world leader position in research in this discipline, because of its involvement in many space exploration missions in cooperation with international partners.

However, the training in Planetary Geoscience suffers from a currently lacking international structuration, at least at the European level. In this context, GeoPlaNet led by the LPG focuses on the international structuration of research and training in Planetary Geosciences through 2 main axes, detailed in the next tab.

Funds

The project is mainly funded by “Région Pays de la Loire” in the context of its “International Strategy” program. The University of Nantes and the CNRS co-finance also the project.

Duration and key dates

At the present time, GeoPlaNet should have a 3 years duration (2017-2019). However, a follow-up is expected from 2020.

Governance

Contacts

Marie-Pierre Jousse – project manager

Olivier Verhoeven & Sabrina Carpy – scientific coordinators