News
Contact Communications + Media Relations
Database with AWI Experts
Subscribe for press releases as RSS
Marcel Nicolaus at LCOY
AWI scientist Marcel Nicolaus gave a talk in Munich on 17 October as part of LCOY 2026, the German climate conference for young people. Under the title “Expedition Future – How we are researching tomorrow’s Arctic today”, he provided insights into the year-long MOSAiC expedition, current research into sea ice melt and the planned long-term observations at the Tara Polar Station. A total of around 150 people attended the talk, delivered in German and English, as well as the subsequent Q&A sessions.
![[Translate to English:] Bergung Ozeanbodenseismometer](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/f/csm_20260818_PolarsternExpeditionPS156_TimLyons_ChrisLyons_SlingshotPictures_004_1ea8a44f3f.jpg "Recovery ocean bottom seismometer")
Polarstern returns from the Central Arctic Ocean
On 14 October 2026, the research icebreaker Polarstern is due to return to its home port of Bremerhaven from its final Arctic expedition of this summer. The ten-week PS156 (LAMEX 1) expedition took around 40 researchers from Germany, Norway, Italy, Argentina and the USA from Tromsø via north-east Greenland and the Fram Strait to the North Pole and the Lomonosov Ridge. In total, the ship covered a good 9,000 nautical miles (around 16,700 kilometres) to collect data on the geological past, which will enable better projections for our future.
Find out more
Paolo Guidetti visits Helgoland Marine Station
From 6 October, Paolo Guidetti, Research Director at Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn and Coordinator of the Genoa Marine Centre, spent several days visiting the Helgoland Marine Station. The visit provided an opportunity for a wide-ranging exchange with colleagues on site. Paolo Guidetti gained insights into the research topics pursued by the various research groups at the marine stations Helgoland and Sylt, the existing infrastructure for guest researchers, the scientific diving centre and Reefauna. The aim of the visit was to initiate new partnerships…
AWI Director Hajo Eicken on a Delegation Visit to Japan
AWI Director Hajo Eicken took part in a trip to Japan. Organised by the Helmholtz Association, the delegation of 30 people visited various universities and research institutions in Osaka, Tsukuba, Tokyo and Yokohama. A key focus was the exchange with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology. After the meeting, the participants toured the new research icebreaker Mirai II. The delegation included Helmholtz President Martin Keller, GEOMAR Director Katja Matthes and others.
New findings on the stability of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet
New study by Kiel University and Alfred Wegener Institute shows how a retreating ice sheet’s grounding line stabilized itself over a long period of time — important reference points for models of ice-sheet behavior.
Find out more
AWI Participates in German Unity Day
From 2 to 4 October, celebrations to mark German Unity Day took place in Bremen. The AWI was also present with a stand. At the 'Kaufhaus der Wissenschaft' (Science Department Store) in the former Kaufhof building, visitors could experience Bremen's diverse scientific landscape for themselves. Visitors could try on polar clothing and examine a model of the new Polarstern, among other things. The highlight was a live video link to Neumayer Station III in Antarctica.
Scientific Advisory Board Meets in Bremerhaven
The AWI Scientific Advisory Board provides independent advice to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board on matters related to research, logistics, and coordination. This year, the board met at the AWI’s main campus in Bremerhaven. The meeting focused on various topics, including the AWI’s research programmes, for which the Scientific Advisory Board makes recommendations. Afterwards, the members gained insights into the institute’s research infrastructure on a guided tour of the AWI Technikum.
Federal Cross of Merit for Harald Rosenthal
Scientist Harald Rosenthal has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in recognition of his long-standing and exceptional commitment to marine research, particularly with regard to the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture. His scientific career is closely linked to the Helgoland Biological Station and the Wadden Sea Station on Sylt, and thus to the origins of coastal research at the AWI. His colleagues in coastal research on Helgoland and Sylt, and the AWI as a whole, congratulate him on this honour.
Anne Morgenstern joins IPA Executive Committee
AWI scientist Anne Morgenstern is the newest member of the International Permafrost Association (IPA) Executive Committee. Her expertise in the field of Arctic permafrost research and her experience in fostering international and interdisciplinary scientific exchange and collaboration lead to her being chosen for this role. The IPA is a professional body with the goal of promoting permafrost and permafrost-related research.
Visit by the Chilean Antarctic Institute
Gino Casassa, the director of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), visited the AWI in Bremerhaven. The institute is a key AWI partner in Antarctic Peninsula research. AWI Director Hajo Eicken and Vice Director Olaf Eisen welcomed Gino Casassa. After getting to know each other and exchanging ideas with AWI scientists, the program included a tour of the institute’s grounds, featuring a guided tour of the Technikum and the Sea Water Aquarium Facility building.