„Friends of the Alfred Wegener Institute“ is a registered non-profit association („Verein der Freunde und Förderer der Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung e.V.“) and a contact point for all those interested in the Alfred Wegener Institute and its work. The objective of the association is to support the Alfred Wegener Institute and its activities morally as well as financially.

Tasks are for example:

• Promoting and funding projects in the field of polar and marine research

• Organizing events to enable scientific exchange of ideas

• Supporting public relations with regard to polar and marine research

• Promoting young researchers

• Supporting the contacts between the Alfred Wegener Institute and schools

• Contributing to cultivating and working on national and international scientific relationships

• Promoting exchange of experiences between former and current Alfred Wegener Institute employees