INSTITUT DE PHYSIQUE DU GLOBE DE PARIS

Their core work

IPGP is a leading French research institution specializing in Earth and planetary sciences, from deep mantle dynamics to volcanic hazards and geochemistry. They develop and operate seismic and geophysical instrumentation, run volcano observatories, and perform high-precision isotopic analyses of terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials. Their work spans understanding Earth's formation and evolution, monitoring natural hazards like earthquakes and eruptions, and contributing to planetary exploration missions. They bridge fundamental geoscience research with applied environmental monitoring and space science.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), IPGP focused heavily on geochemistry fundamentals — isotopic tracing in marine carbonates, early Earth biosignatures, arsenic environments, and meteorite composition. From 2019 onward, there is a clear pivot toward planetary science (Mars magnetism, planetary interiors, cubesats) and applied geohazard monitoring (volcanic eruption dynamics, advanced seismic sensors, fiber optics). The recent portfolio also shows growing involvement in research infrastructure governance and environmental monitoring networks.

IPGP is moving from purely terrestrial geochemistry toward planetary exploration and advanced geophysical sensing technologies, making them an increasingly relevant partner for space missions and Earth observation projects.

How they like to work

IPGP frequently leads projects — coordinating 11 of 26, mostly Marie Curie fellowships and ERC grants that reflect individual PI excellence. They also participate in large research infrastructure consortia (EPOS, eLTER, EUROVOLC) as third parties or partners, indicating comfort in both leadership and specialist roles. With 251 unique partners across 33 countries, they operate as a well-connected hub rather than a closed network, making them accessible for new collaborators.

IPGP has collaborated with 251 unique partners across 33 countries, reflecting a broad European and international network. Their infrastructure project involvement (EPOS, eLTER, EUROVOLC) connects them to major Earth science observatories and monitoring networks continent-wide.

What sets them apart

IPGP combines deep Earth geochemistry with planetary science and geohazard monitoring in a way few institutions can match — they study processes from Earth's core to Mars with equal rigor. Their strength in high-precision isotopic measurement makes them a rare partner for projects needing analytical capabilities on extraterrestrial materials. The combination of ERC-level fundamental research with practical volcano observatory operations and seismic infrastructure gives them credibility across the full spectrum from basic science to applied risk assessment.

Highlights from their portfolio

• METAL
  Largest single grant (EUR 1.99M ERC), investigating terrestrial planet formation through isotope geochemistry — represents IPGP's flagship capability.
• PRISTINE
  EUR 1.49M ERC grant on high-precision isotopic measurements of extraterrestrial materials — a defining project for their cosmochemistry expertise.
• EUROVOLC
  Positions IPGP within the European volcanology observatory network, demonstrating their applied geohazard role beyond fundamental research.