Our team elucidates the structure, origin, transformation, aggregation, ecological function and distribution of organic compounds in the changing polar ocean.

We aim to understand the function of marine organic compounds, both, as diagnostic markers to decode biogeochemical processes and as drivers of chemical interactions between species.

Organic molecules

  • render or result from important physiological processes of polar organisms, e. g. during photosynthesis, nutrient acquisition and storage of energy.

  • orchestrate species interactions affecting organismal abundance, physiology, performance, resilience and adaptation.

  • represent fingerprints of organic matter transformations and can thus serve as biogeochemical proxies.

News & Facts

Biological rhythms and microbial communities influence the temperature tolerance of diatoms in arctic and temperate regions.

New Project: HABBAL

Assessment of the effect of the spread of harmful algal blooms of the species Alexandrium pseudogonyaulax on biodiversity and human health.

New Project: HABTUPORE

Assessment of Harmful Algal Bloom species and associated toxins in Turkish coastal waters and Polar Regions.
 

Research topics and key questions

We contribute to the program-oriented research within the Helmholtz Society:

Topic 6: Marine and Polar Life: Sustaining Biodiversity, Biotic Interactions, and Biogeochemical Functions

  • Subtopic 6.1 Future ecosystem functionality
  • Subtopic 6.2 Adaptation of marine life
  • Subtopic 6.3 The future biological carbon pump

Publications of the Section