Kurt O. Konhauser is a globally acknowledged authority and trailblazer in the interdisciplinary field of geobiology, exploring the complex interrelationships between life and Earth’s surface. Over a span of three decades, he has tackled critical questions regarding the coevolution of life and Earth’s surface environments across Earth history. He provided compelling evidence that bacteria were likely the principal agents behind iron mineral precipitation in the oceans since the dawn of the sedimentary record. He postulated that an oceanic nickel famine around 2.7 billion years ago led to a reduction of methanogenic activity — given nickel’s critical role as a cofactor in methanogenesis enzymes — and the subsequent expansion of cyanobacteria into shallow-water habitats previously occupied by methanogens. This elegant bioinorganic mechanism helps explain the rise of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere a few million years later.

By tracking chromium abundances in banded iron formations, he argued that Earth’s oxygenation at 2.5 billion years ago triggered oxidative weathering of the continental crust, leading to acidification, chemical breakdown of terrestrial minerals, high nutrient fluxes to the oceans and increased primary productivity of cyanobacteria. In sum, his creative achievements — characterized by clever combinations of interdisciplinary approaches — highlight the interconnectedness of life and Earth and the crucial role of feedbacks in instigating global change.

Kurt’s contributions transcend mere academia, notably in popularizing the emerging field of geobiology. His writing of the seminal book Introduction to Geomicrobiology; founding and continual role as editor-in-chief of the Geobiology journal since its inception in 2002; editorship of the book Fundamentals of Geobiology; and establishment of the Geobiology Society, which he serves as its president, all underscore his leadership and far-reaching impact. His steadfast efforts have been instrumental in elevating geobiology to the vibrant international field it is today. Indeed, 30 years ago, the field of geobiology was scarcely recognizable, but today, it flourishes, and Konhauser is credited with making some of this transformation happen.

The prestigious Eunice Newton Foote Medal, bestowed to scientists for their achievements at the intersection of Earth and life sciences, aptly honors Kurt’s extensive and impactful endeavors in geobiology.

—Dianne K. Newman
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California

For pioneering research at the intersection of biology and geology, giving us vital new ways to ponder Earth’s past relationships with life.