Association of Friends and Sponsors of the AWI
Setting the mark for our future
Support for AWI climate and environmental research
The melting of ice, global warming and rising sea levels are examples of the significant changes in the global environment and the earth's climate that in recent decades have been proven beyond doubt. These influences, some of which are caused by human activity, are already having an impact on the living conditions of many people today and will intensify in the future. Therefore, the research activities of the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) are primarily focused on this complex array of topics.
The AWI was founded in 1980 as a foundation under public law with its registered office in Bremerhaven. Subsequently expanded to include facilities in Potsdam and Oldenburg and on the islands of Helgoland and Sylt, AWI conducts climate and marine research, especially in the polar regions and the North Sea. If you would like to support this important work, we cordially invite you to become a member of our association!
As a member of the Association of Friends and Sponsors of the Alfred Wegener Institute, you can contribute to supporting the Institute and its scientific work.
Association members are regularly informed first-hand about the work of the Alfred Wegener Institute and current events. Beyond that, they are of course personally invited to the events of the Association, so that they can participate in the current developments in polar and marine research on an ongoing basis.
The annual minimum membership fees are currently 30 euros for individuals (reduced: 10 euros for pupils, trainees, students, doctoral students) and 300 euros for public corporations, associations, institutions and companies in the commercial sector. The membership fee and additional donations are tax-deductible.
Membership must be applied for in writing.
Download membership application (German/Englisch)
Please also consider our data protection notice
Friends and supporters of the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research e. V.
Am Handelshafen 12
27570 Bremerhaven
Contact person:
Heinrich Weingart
Phone: 0471-4831-1073
Fax: 0471-4831-1102
foerderverein(at)awi.de
Bank details:
Friends and supporters of the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research e. V.
(„Alfred-Wegener-Institut Förderverein“)
Account: 100 836 25 90
Deutsche Kreditbank
ZIP: 120 300 00
(IBAN: DE31 1203 0000 1008 3625 90)
We are always pleased about inquiries and your interest!
(only available in German at this time)
Tasks and Objectives
The non-profit association "Friends and Supporters of the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research” is a contact point for all those who are interested in and would like to support, the research and work of the Alfred Wegener Institute. The aim of the Association is not only to financially support the activities of the Institute, but also to support the ideals of the Institute in increasing our knowledge of climate and marine systems for the benefit of humankind.
Tasks of the Association are for example:
- promoting special projects in the fields of polar and marine research
- organizing scientific events
- informing the public about polar and marine research concerns
- supporting young researchers
- maintaining contacts between the Alfred Wegener Institute and schools in Germany
- promoting national and international scientific contacts
- fostering relations between active and former members of the Alfred Wegener Institute
In addition, the Association annually awards the AWI PhD Student Prize, the Silent Hero Award, the AWI Science Prize and the AWI Transfer Prize. The doctoral prize is awarded to outstanding promoters who actively contribute (or have contributed) to their working group and the AWI in general. The Silent Hero Award recognizes those employees who work in the background and with their special commitment make an important contribution to the success of research, expeditions and major projects. The AWI Science Prize is awarded to outstanding publications, especially those written by research associates. The AWI Transfer Prize honours special activities in the field of knowledge and technology transfer.
AWI Awards 2023
In addition to a personal presentation of the AWI prizes (event planned; information to follow), the award winners will be honored on this virtual stage.
Silent Hero Award 2023
AWI Science Communication Award 2023
AWI Transfer Award 2023
AWI Science Award 2023
AWI Doctoral Award 2023
AWI Awards 2022
In addition to a personal presentation of the AWI prizes at the AWI staff day on June 20, 2023, the awardees were also honored on a virtual stage.
AWI Awards 2021
In addition to a personal presentation of the AWI prizes at the AWI staff day on June 23, 2022, the awardees were also honored on a virtual stage.
AWI Awards 2020
The Association of Friends and Sponsors of the AWI endows five prizes annually: the AWI Doctoral Award, the AWI Science Award, the AWI Transfer Award, The Science Communication Award and the Silent Hero Award. Instead of presenting the AWI awards in person at the annual AWI Christmas party, the awards are now presented on a digital stage.
Governing Body
The members of the Association form the general assembly. It elects an honorary executive board from among its members:
- a chairperson
- two deputy chairpersons
- a treasurer
- if necessary, further members elected by the general assembly
Executive Board members are currently:
Chair
Dr Holger Bienhold
Deputy Chair
Prof Dr Maarten Boersma
