Press - AWI

High levels of microplastic pollution

Microplastic particles in sediment sample

[14. July 2023] Senckenberg researchers Serena Abel, formerly a PhD student at AWI, and Angelika Brandt, together with colleagues from the AWI and the Goethe University Frankfurt, have studied microplastics in the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench. They found between 215 and 1596 microparticles per kg in each of a total of 13 sediment samples from depths of up to 9450 meters - more than previously detected. The study, published in 'Science of The Total Environment', shows that the deep sea is heavily polluted with microplastics and is threatening biodiversity. To the press release

The new Uthörn visits Helgoland

[10. July 2023] The new AWI coastal research vessel Uthörn has called at her home port Helgoland: The island community ceremoniously welcomed the successor vessel and greeted the ship with joy. The new Uthörn is currently on test and trial cruises in the German Bight before the official handover to the AWI and the scientific community is expected to take place in August.

Launch of the EU project NOVAFOODIES

[22. June 2023] “NOVAFOODIES” is a new AWI project, which has been funded by the Horizon Europe program with a budget of about 6 million euros, that aims to transform the value chain of food production from marine and freshwater resources, to achieve new food products for human consumption. One goal the project is, to demonstrate the sustainable production of macro- and microalgae, and fish species, as a basis for novel functional food and feed production. NOVAFOODIES gathers 28 international partners.

Seaweed cultivation for packaging material

[22. June 2023] What impact does macroalgae cultivation for sustainable packaging production have on the environment? A research project titled "Life cycle assessment of land-based seaweed cultivation for packaging material" is dedicated to this topic, which was developed in cooperation with the AWI, the University of Latvia, Institute for Microbiology and Biotechnology and the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. The project aims to provide vital data on the enviromental impact of this study using a Life Cycle Analysis (LVA). To the original press release

Helmholtz Imaging Contest 2023

Angelika Humbert vom AWI und Tilman Bucher vom DLR

[16. June 2023] Angelika Humbert from AWI and Tilman Bucher from DLR took the third place in the category "Jury Award" at the Helmholtz Imaging Contest 2023. The winners were announced during the award ceremony on June 15th at the third Annual Helmholtz Imaging Conference. The awarded photo was taken with a MACS camera on the 79°N Glacier, developed by DLR-OS. The prize, which is worth 600 euros, is donated by Beiersdorf. More information