News

Doris Achelwilm, member of the German Bundestag and member of the parliamentary group “Die Linke”, visited the AWI in Bremerhaven: Prof Dr Maarten Boersma, director interim of the AWI, and AWI administrative director Dr Karsten Wurr welcomed the politician and introduced her to the institute's infrastructure, activities, and research areas. Afterwards, there was time for a discussion about the projects Beyond EPICA, Antarctica InSync, and the new construction of the Polarstern.

The international Antarctic research project Antarctica InSync is organizing a second science webinar. The two-day online workshop to advance the scientific planning of Antarctica InSync, an international initiative endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade. To accommodate participants across diverse time zones and ensure broad global engagement, the webinar will take place over two days, with each session offering the same core content. The sessions will be on 9 September, 7 to 09:30 UTC and on 10 September, 15:00 to 17:30 UTC. More information and registration.

AWI climate scientist Dr. Monica Ionita is one of the new IPCC lead authors for the 7th Assessment Report. She will oversee Working Group I, Chapter 4 as lead author. The topic of her field of work is: “Advances in process understanding of Earth system changes”. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) is a United Nations institution, also known as the World Climate Council. It publishes reports on the state of the global climate. The 7th Assessment Report will be published in 2029.

On Saturday, 9 August 2025, the Mya II opened its hatches as part of the Lister Harbour Festival 2025. There was great interest: around 500 visitors took the opportunity to visit the AWI research vessel and gain insights into ship-based Wadden Sea research.

Until August 17th, the AWI can be found daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the „Wissenschaftsmeile“ of the windjammer festival SAiL. At the AWI info booth at Bremerhaven fishing port, visitors can get in touch and ask away their questions. Interactive stations are another highlight for children and adults alike.

Dr. Uwe Nixdorf, AWI Vice Director and Head of AWI Logistics, has been awarded the COMNAP Medal. This international honor from the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion and support of Antarctic research. The medal highlights Uwe Nixdorf's long-standing commitment to strengthening international cooperation and promoting scientific excellence in the polar regions.

Florian Müller, Member of the German Bundestag and spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group on research, technology, and space travel, visited the AWI in Bremerhaven. AWI Vice Director Dr. Uwe Nixdorf welcomed the politician and presented the activities and research areas of the institute. This was followed by a visit to the ice laboratory, where Dr. Maria Hörhold presented the current work on ice cores from the Antarctic project “Beyond Epica.”

Depending on the season, different types of viruses prevail in Arctic waters, shaping nutrient cycling and energy flow in the ocean. This delicate microbial balance could be disrupted by climate change.
GEOMAR press release

Since 1980, the AWI has been researching changes to the climate, ice and oceans in the Arctic, the Antarctic and the North Sea. Data from expeditions, long-term measurements, modelling and numerous research projects over the past 45 years have improved our understanding of global environmental change. This has all been made possible by the great commitment of many people in the fields of research, engineering, logistics and administration. Thank you to everyone who has helped shape this journey.
 

Accompanied by neuroscientist Maren Urner, a group of students from the „Sustainable Transformation Design“ degree programme at FH Münster visited the AWI. Their agenda was filled with lectures on sustainability, science and science communication. Topics included, for example, the connection between the climate crisis and the food system as well as the potential that the sea offers for sustainable nutrition. Another highlight of the programme was a tour of the Centre of Aquaculture Research.