Researchers have discovered that there is an immense microbial biosphere associated with deep-ocean spreading zones. This has fundamentally shifted our perceptions of how planets and life may co-evolve.

The Centre for Geobiology (CGB) will be involved in research and researcher training generating new, fundamental knowledge about the interactions between the geo- and bio-sphere. CGB's primary research focus will be extreme environments such as those found in the deep seafloor, within the deep biosphere and evidence of this life found as biosignatures in remnants of ancient crust. New methodologies will be developed that may be used to search for signs of early life on Earth and life on other planets.