Members

As an internationally respected centre of excellence on polar and marine research, the Alfred Wegener Institute is one of the very few scientific institutions in the world that are equally active in the Arctic and Antarctic. It coordinates German polar research, while also conducting research in the German North Sea and adjacent coastal regions. Combining innovative approaches, outstanding research infrastructure and years of expertise, the Alfred Wegener Institute explores nearly all compartments of the Earth system – from the atmosphere to the ocean floor. In recent years climate-related research has increasingly taken centre stage.

Contact

Alfred-Wegener-Institut
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung
Am Handelshafen 12
27570 Bremerhaven
Phone: +49 (0)471 4831-0

Email: info(at)awi.de

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The Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) is a central research center at Universität Hamburg. Earth system, natural and social scientists from different institutes and facilities of the university work at CEN. Together, they conduct research on issues relating to climate, environmental and earth system research. Young scientists are intensively involved in the work. Furthermore, CEN takes part in research networks and is a member in numerous national and international programs. A central large-scale project is the Cluster of Excellence CLICCS (Climate, Climatic Change, and Society). The cluster is guided by the overarching question: Which climate futures are possible and which are plausible?

Ute Kreis
Press/Outreach
Email: ute.kreis(at)uni-hamburg.de

Dr. Martina Bachmann
Research Coordination
Email: martina.bachmann(at)uni-hamburg.de

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Research Dedicated to the Future: The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, headquartered in Germany, is the world’s leading applied research organization. With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial exploitation of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 75 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany. The majority of the organization’s 29,000 employees are qualified scientists and engineers, who work with an annual research budget of 2.8 billion euros. Of this sum, 2.4 billion euros are generated through contract research.

Contact

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Freiherr von Lukas
Koordinator OceanTechnologies@Fraunhofer
Email: subsea(at)fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer-Institut für Graphische Datenverarbeitung IGD
Joachim-Jungius-Str. 11
18059 Rostock
Phone: +49 381 4024-100
Email: sekretariat(at)igd-r.fraunhofer.de

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The Coastal Research Center (FZK) is a joint research unit of Technische Universität Braunschweig and Leibniz University Hannover. It holds key expertise in the fields of coastal, ocean and geotechnical engineering. Focal point of FZK is science and research towards hydro- and morphodynamics, as well as the interactions with coastal ecosystems. FZK operates a range of excellent, large-scale experimental facilities, i.e. the Large Wave Flume (GWK+), with which oceanic conditions can be researched. Key research topics include offshore wind and wave energy, sediment transport, ecohydraulics, and coastal structures.

Contact

Email: office(at)fzk.uni-hannover.de

Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Torsten Schlurmann
Leibniz Universität Hannover
Email: schlurmann(at)lufi.uni-hannover.de

Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nils Goseberg
Technische Universität Braunschweig
Email: n.goseberg(at)tu-braunschweig.de

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GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a world-wide leading institutes of marine research. We investigate chemical, physical, biological and geological processes of the seafloor, oceans and ocean margins and their interactions with the atmosphere. The major research topics comprise “Ocean and Climate”, “Marine Ecosystems and Biogeochemical Cycles” and “Seafloor Resources and Marine Hazards”.

Contact

Email: info(at)geomar.de
Phone: 0431-600-0

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The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts international cutting-edge research for a changing world: approximately 1,100 employees generate knowledge and innovation toward more resilience and sustainability. The Hereon’s scientific spectrum encompasses high-performance materials, processes and environmentally friendly technologies for mobility and new energy systems. Furthermore, research is conducted on biomaterials in medicine and for increasing quality of life. Through research and consulting, the Hereon addresses the challenges of climate change in a solution-oriented manner and facilitates sustainable management as well as the protection of the coasts and marine environment through comprehensive scientific understanding. From fundamental understanding to practical applications – the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

Contact

Gesa Seidel
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
Communication and Media
Phone: +49 (0) 4152 87-1784
Email: gesa.seidel(at)hereon.de

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The Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) is an interdisciplinary institute at the University of Oldenburg with locations in Oldenburg and Wilhelmshaven. It is the only university institute in Lower Saxony that covers broad areas of marine sciences, both in research and in teaching. It is very well networked, nationally as well as internationally. Currently, more than 20 working groups of various scientific disciplines – including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering – belong to the institute. ICBM operates the coastal observatory Spiekeroog and is the home institute of the research vessel Sonne.

Contact

Email: icbm(at)uni-oldenburg.de

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The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde is a non-university research institution. It explores the ecosystems of coastal and marginal seas with a focus on the Baltic Sea – one of the largest brackish seas on earth. We are exploring the key processes that govern ecosystems in coastal and marginal seas and analysing the impact of differences / gradients in environmental parameters has on communities. We integrate our insights in interdisciplinary cooperation into an overall picture of the Baltic Sea system, in which atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere interact with each other. We investigate the changes of this system in space and time on a scale from decades to millennia and investigate possible causes. We investigate the human influence and its consequences.

Contact

Dr. Kristin Beck
Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 (0)381 5197 135
Email: kristin.beck(at)io-warnemuende.de

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Kiel Marine Science (KMS) is the Center for Interdisciplinary Marine Science at Kiel University. KMS performs a central coordinating role for all researchers in natural sciences, the humanities, and social sciences whose work concerns oceans, coasts, and their interaction with humanity. In both research and teaching, associated research groups have expertise in fields such as climate research, coastal research, physical chemistry, botany, microbiology, mathematics, informatics, economics, law, and social science. Together with stakeholders outside of academia, KMS works to develop options for the conservation and sustainable use of the seas and coasts from a global and transdisciplinary perspective. Altogether, KMS is comprised of 50 research groups from seven faculties and 18 research institutes.

Contact

Professor Ralph Schneider
Director
Institute for Geoscience
Email: director(at)kms.uni-kiel.de

Dr. Nicole Schmidt
Office Manager
Email: nschmidt(at)kms.uni-kiel.de

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MARUM produces fundamental scientific knowledge about the role of the ocean and the ocean floor in the total Earth system. The dynamics of the ocean and the ocean floor significantly impact the entire Earth system through the interaction of geological, physical, biological and chemical processes. These influence both the climate and the global carbon cycle, and create unique biological systems. MARUM is committed to fundamental and unbiased research in the interests of society and the marine environment, and in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. It publishes its quality-assured scientific data and makes it publicly available. MARUM informs the public about new discoveries in the marine environment and provides practical knowledge through its dialogue with society.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Michael Schulz
Email: info(at)marum.de

Ulrike Prange
Media
Email: medien(at)marum.de

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At the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, researchers from all over the world are working together to better understand microbial life in the oceans. Very little is known about marine microorganisms, and new species with new capabilities are constantly being discovered. What role do microorganisms play there, what properties do they have and how great is their biodiversity? What is their contribution to the global elemental cycles of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and iron? What does this mean for our environment and our climate? The researchers at the institute cover a wide range of disciplines and topics: from microsensors to microbiology, from geochemistry to genome analysis, and from molecular ecology to mathematical modeling.

Contact

Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
Celsiusstraße 1
28359 Bremen
Phone: +49 421 2028-5151
Email: contact(at)mpi-bremen.de

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Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology investigate what determines the sensitivity of the Earth system to perturbations such as the changing composition of its atmosphere, and work toward establishing the sources and limits of predictability within the Earth system. For that purpose, MPI-M develops and analyses sophisticated models of the Earth system. Targeted in-situ measurements and satellite observations complement the model simulations.

Contact

Dr. Annette Kirk
Communications
Phone: +49 (0) 40 41173 374
Email: annette.kirk(at)mpimet.mpg.de

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The Department of Maritime Systems (MTS) is an interdisciplinary scientific institution of the University of Rostock. MTS brings together researchers from the University of Rostock, the IOW and other partners to tackle interdisciplinary issues in the marine and maritime sector. In our cross-faculty platform, the members develop innovative strategies and research. Since 2021, the Department of Maritime Systems has been home to research diver training and the University of Rostock’s new research catamaran LIMANDA. With this overall structure, the department is in a forward-looking position to tackle urgent issues in the field of coastal zones and development, as well as to provide high-quality interdisciplinary training for the next generation of researchers.”

Contact

Dr. Heike Link
Tel.: +49 (0) 381 498 – 8921
E-Mail: mts(at)uni-rostock.de

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Senckenberg am Meer, Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, is a centre of global coastal and marine research with working areas from the North Sea coast down to the deep sea, both biologically and geologically. The research institute is structured in the Marine Research Department (MEFO) and the German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research Department (DZMB), which apart from Wilhelmshaven is also situated in Hamburg. Amongst societal-relevant core competencies of the 70 employees are long-term studies on benthos and plankton for characterisation of (supra-) regional climate and biodiversity changes, neobiota screenings, geo-ecological biosedimentary system studies, like on oyster and deep-water coral reefs, coupled with sediment dynamics, and the assessment of environmental impacts and risks of deep-sea mining. Moreover, Senckenberg am Meer holds comprehensive expertises in taxonomy, applying modern molecular and proteomic methods. After all, the discovery, characterisation and conservation of biodiversity and earth processes (geobiodiversity) are the main aims of Senckenberg research.

Kontakt

Senckenberg am Meer
Südstrand 40-44
26382 Wilhelmshaven

Geschäftsführender Direktor
Prof. Dr. Pedro Martinez Arbizu

Verwaltung
Heike Waldau
Tel. +49 4421 9475-201
mefo(at)senckenberg.de

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The Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, is a Federal Research Institute under the auspices of the German Ferderal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). With its 14 specialised institutes, it is characterised by a wide range of expertise. It develops ways for the sustainable use of natural resources in fields, forests and seas. As a policy advising institution, the Thünen Institute designs concepts for ecologically sound and competitive agriculture, forestry as well as fisheries and aquaculture. With its three fisheries institutes, it collects long-term data series on the development of fish stocks, monitors important marine environmental parameters, develops innovative fisheries and survey technology, and works on integrated concepts for marine spatial management. The Thünen Institute is internationally connected and represents Germany in European and international expert panels.

Contact

Email: pressestelle(at)thuenen.de

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The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) stands for long-standing competence in the field of veterinary medicine. It is an eminent scientific institution connecting modern science with university tradition. Since its founding in 1778 as the Roß-Arzney-Schule it has kept its independent status up until today thereby assuming an exceptional position in Germany. At the beginning of 2003 the TiHo was transformed to a university foundation – the State of Lower Saxony granting the university a greater personal responsibility and thereby more flexibility for legal arrangements.

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The University of Greifswald is a research university. Its research strength mainly originates in the intensive interdisciplinary collaboration of the five faculties, including University Medicine. Cutting-edge research evolves in close collaboration with regional, national and international research partners and is based on the solid foundation provided by an excellent research infrastructure. Within its five key fields of research and further research areas that are currently being established, the University of Greifswald achieves innovative, unique contributions to important topics and challenges that are faced by today’s society: health & preventive medicine, environment & climate, energy & raw materials and chances & risks of globalisation.

Contact

Jan Meßerschmidt
Press Officer
Domstraße 11, Entrance 1
17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 1150
Email: hochschulkommunikation(at)uni-greifswald.de

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The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in Bremen is the only scientific institute in Germany that exclusively investigates tropical and subtropical coastal ecosystems and their significance for nature and humans. Together with its partners in tropical countries, the ZMT creates a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable use of these tropical coastal ecosystems. In addition to research, the focus is on capacity development and consulting – always in close cooperation with international and national partners.

Contact

Email: press(at)leibniz-zmt.de

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The Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute is the technical and scientific federal authority of the BMVI. We are the central providers of consultancy and expert opinion services to the BMVI and the WSV relating to their waterways engineering tasks and in particular concerning their construction supervision responsibility for ensuring that all federal waterway structures and facilities comply with safety and other regulations. Our work is an important contribution to ensuring that waterways in Germany meet ever tougher technical, economic and ecological demands. We have extensive expertise and experience in the field of waterways engineering and, as key players in the ongoing development of this discipline, enjoy a formidable reputation in the national and international scientific community.

Contact

Bundesanstalt für Wasserbau
Pressestelle
Sabine Johnson
Kußmaulstraße 17 | 76187 Karlsruhe
E-Mail: sabine.johnson(at)baw.de
Tel.: +49 721 9726-3060

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As the German Centre of Excellence for geosciences, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources advises and informs the Federal Government on all issues relating to geosciences and natural resources. BGR performs duties in the following fields: mineral resources, energy resources, groundwater, soil, final disposal of radioactive waste, subsurface use, nuclear test ban, geo-hazard assessment and international cooperation in the geosector. BGR has been conducting marine research for more than 50 years. Its work focuses on reconstructing the geological evolution of continental margins and marginal seas as well as research on and assessment of raw material potentials in frontier areas, including the analysis of potential environmental impacts related to raw material exploitation. On behalf of the German Federal government, BGR holds exploration licenses for manganese nodules (Pacific) and massive sulphides (Indian Ocean).

Contact

Email: marine-rohstoffe(at)bgr.de

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Germany‘s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) employs around 1,000 people from more than 100 professions in Hamburg and Rostock, as well as on its five  survey and research vessels. BSH is supporting, safeguarding and monitoring maritime shipping. Furthermore, BSH is conducting marine research, hydrographic surveys and wreck searches, and is producing official nautical charts, and is licensing and monitoring offshore wind farms. BSH is the German flag state administration and service providersupporting the maritime industry with permits, liability certificates, product testing, water level and ice forecasts and provision of data. This includes for example data about thesea state data in offshore wind farms and information on underwater noise in the sea. The Navigation and Communication System Laboratory provides a test environment for complex navigation and communication systems.

Through applied research, BSH is working continuously to improve the knowledge and technologies in orde to make the protection and use of the marine environment more compatible. For example, BSH established an underwater noise monitoring network in the North and Baltic Sea as well as developed technologies for monitoring shipping emissions in the air.

Contact

Email: forschung(at)bsh.de

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In 1951, a rather small collection of Natural History moved into the premises of former St. Catherine’s monastery that had been used as a grammar school until then. The institution soon became an internationally renowned museum for oceanography and GDR fishery. In 1994, after the political change, it was transformed into a foundation under civil law and finally renamed German Oceanographic Museum in 1998. The museums´ strength is the combination of marine research and transfer of knowledge to the public at four locations and with its online channels. Visitors enjoy the mix of scientific exhibitions and aquaria with the aquaria being a living addition to the exhibits. Worldwide, only few museums are dedicated to marine life, its exploration and presentation in such spectrum and detail. The German Oceanographic Museum is one of Germanys´ most visited museums.

Contact

General: info(at)meeresmuseum.de

Press contact: presse(at)meeresmuseum.de

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The German Maritime Museum / Leibniz Institute for Maritime History (DSM) in Bremerhaven has set itself the task of researching the changing relationship between man and the sea and bringing it to life in exhibitions. It is one of eight Leibniz research museums in Germany. With around 100 employees and trainees and approximately 8000 square meters of covered exhibition space, it is one of the largest maritime museums in Europe. Research projects at the DSM are supported by renowned national and international funding programs. As an attractive place to work for young and experienced talents in maritime research, the DSM maintains diverse cooperations with universities, colleges and non-university research institutions.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Ruth Schilling
Managing Director
Phone: 0471 48 207 833
Email: schilling(at)dsm.museum

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The NLWKN is a service provider, specialised authority and point of contact for water management, coastal protection, nature conservation and radiation protection in Lower Saxony and, in this function, is particularly entrusted with tasks relating to the protection and use of Lower Saxony’s coastal waters. With the Coastal Research Centre, the state agency operates its own non-university research facility, which is geared towards the specific tasks of the NLWKN from an interdisciplinary perspective.

“For people and the environment” is the motto of the Federal Environment Agency – UBA for short. As Germany’s central environmental authority, we ensure that there is a healthy environment in Germany in which people can live protected against harmful environmental impacts, such as pollutants in the air, water and soil. Our mission is to collect data on the state of the environment and to evaluate this data and data from other sources, to research correlations, to draw up forecasts for the future and to use this knowledge to advise the Federal Government, such as the Federal Ministry for the Environment, on its policies. Informing the public on environmental issues and being there to answer their questions is also part of our remit. In addition, we enforce environmental laws, i.e. implement them in practice. The tasks of the UBA are set out in the Act on the Establishment of a Federal Environment Agency.

The UBA sees itself as an early warning system that identifies and assesses possible future adverse effects on humans and the environment in good time and proposes practicable solutions. To this end, the Agency’s experts conduct research in its own laboratories and award research contracts to scientific institutions and institutes in Germany and abroad. In addition, we are Germany’s partner and contact point for numerous international institutions.

Further information on the Federal Environment Agency: www.umweltbundesamt.de/en