We have been awarded a prestigious international grant for research on the chemistry of water worlds in space
J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences has achieved a significant success by securing a grant for a Czech-German project titled "Accelerator of Ice Nanoparticles and High-Resolution Mass Detectors for the Study of the Composition and Biosignatures of Water Worlds in Space." The project is supported by the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR) and the German Research Foundation (DFG). Our institute will collaborate with Professor Bernd Abel from Leipzig University on this project.
New technologies for the search for life in space
The goal of this ambitious project is to advance our understanding of planets and moons with water deposits outside Earth. Scientists will focus on developing key tools and technologies and conducting analog laboratory experiments to better interpret data from past and future space missions. The main research question centers on uncovering the complex chemical composition of oceans, such as those on Enceladus, and exploring the conditions that might support life and chemical evolution. This project promises to make a significant contribution to the search for life beyond Earth. Its key objectives include the development of a compact ice particle accelerator, high-resolution mass detectors, studying the interaction of ice particles with surfaces, and creating a database for future space missions.
The project is the result of a collaboration between the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR) and the German Research Foundation (DFG), which enabled the submission of international bilateral grant projects. This year, only three Czech-German projects received funding. In this collaboration, Czech and German scientists will combine their efforts, with each agency funding its domestic researchers.
Prof. Bernd Abel
Collaboration with Leipzig University and the development of key tools
The project will build on the work of Dr. Ján Žabka's team on the SELINA selected nanoparticle generator. This device generates a defined beam of charged water ice nanoparticles, serving as an analog of cosmic dust. It will be used to develop and test new analyzers for future space missions aimed at exploring the Solar System.
New opportunities for Czech scientists and the expansion of international cooperation
This collaboration promises not only to advance scientific research but also to expand international ties and create new opportunities for Czech scientists in space exploration. J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading research institutions in the field of chemical processes beyond our planet.
