CARS-CO2 is a multidisciplinary project that is centred on the carbonatation of sulphates to establish a novel route to capture and store atmospheric CO2. The two main objectives of this project are: (i) improve our understanding of the crystallization process of sulphates and carbonates at mild hydrothermal conditions, and (ii) study the mechanism, kinetics and stability of the carbonatation of sulphates. Both objectives are paramount to accomplish our foremost goal, which is to evaluate the potential of sulphate carbonatation as a “sequestrator” of CO2. To achieve this, several state-of-the-art laboratory and synchrotron-based scattering techniques will be used to monitor in situ the mineral formation and transformation reactions. To complement the body of bulk mineralization data, during a secondment, isotopic fingerprinting will be used to determine the role of magnesium in the transformation reaction and to define if the transformation is solid state or solution mediated. The results obtained in this project will not only shed light on how CaSO4-based (waste) materials can help to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere but will also further unveil the formation mechanisms of sulphates and carbonates for relevant environmental conditions on Earth and Mars.

Observations of young-stellar objects have led to an astrophysical understanding of how planetary systems might form. As the disk evolves, sub-micron dust grains agglomerate into meter-sized dust balls, which will then coalesce to form the so-called planetesimals (1-1000 km). Most recently, it was shown that the radial structure of protoplanetary disk can be discontinuous. This is the reason why I introduce the notion of stratigraphy, i.e. discontinuous layers of possibly different composition. Our Galaxy is hosting billions of stars and probably billions of planetary systems. But how original is the Solar System? My objective is to go back to the formation of the Solar System, retrieve its stratigraphy, in order to confront with observations within our Galaxy. For that, I want first to study planetesimals that preserve the primitive dust composition from different locations within the solar protoplanetary disk: primitive asteroids and comets. I will try to understand the optical properties of comets by exploring reflectance spectroscopy in the nano-phase world. I will for the first time investigate the spectro-photometry of primitive meteorites to answer whether or not they are related to primitive asteroids. And finally, while the origin of meteorite matrix is heavily debated, it still is the closest thing we have in hand to investigate early Solar System dust (together with IDPs). I will lead an innovative survey of matrix composition (bulk mineralogy, major and trace element composition), together with infrared spectroscopy in order to relate to astronomical observation. This will be done in reflectance and transmission, but also as at the nano-scale (Infrared and Raman), in order to characterize individual dust grains with vibrational spectroscopy. Last but not least, the D/H of water trapped in the matrix will be estimated, and could be related to the source region of each sample within the early Solar System.

Earthquakes are a major threat to humankind, causing damage above 500 billion USD and more than 400,000 fatalities within the last 20 years. Nonetheless, the generation of large earthquakes remains poorly understood. Recent research suggests that the key to deciphering this preparatory phase lies in the complex interplay of seismic and aseismic processes. Three event types are of genuine interest: slow slip events (SSEs), which are episodic aseismic deformations; low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs), a type of earthquake depleted in high-frequency energy; and regular earthquakes. A key factor limiting the understanding of the seismic-aseismic interplay are incomplete LFE catalogs, caused by the difficulty to detect these events. Therefore, in this project I will develop a novel detection method for LFEs building on recent advances in deep learning. Applying this method, I will compile comprehensive catalogs for three regions: Northern Chile, Nankai (Japan) and Nicoya (Costa Rica). These catalogs, in conjunction with continuous geodetic records, SSE catalogs and seismicity catalogs, will allow me to study the seismic-aseismic interplay. This will reveal physical driving mechanisms of the seismic-aseismic interplay and give insights into the preparation of large earthquakes. This will contribute towards the accurate assessment of seismic hazard and the preparedness for seismic events. I will conduct this project at the Université Grenoble Alpes, with a secondment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. My scientific background in interdisciplinary research between deep learning and seismology, is complemented by my supervisiors: Anne Socquet, expert on aseismic processes and subduction zones; and William Frank, expert in the detection and characterisation of LFEs. The project, together with targeted training activities, will refine my scientific profile and extend my skill set, enabling me to define my independent research agenda and pursue a career in research.