The Alfred Wegener Institute is an established research institute in the field of biological and non-biological marine and ecological research in different climatic and latitudinal regions. Polar and marine research are central themes of global system and environmental science. The AWI conducts research in the Arctic, the Antarctic and at temperate latitudes. It coordinates polar research in Germany and provides both the necessary equipment and the essential logistic backup for polar expeditions. Recent additional research themes include North Sea coastal management, contributions to marine biological monitoring, marine pollution research, investigation of naturally occurring marine substances and technical marine developments.

The Institute was established as a public foundation in 1980. The Foundation Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research includes the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, the Potsdam Research Unit (1992), the Biologische Anstalt Helgoland and the Wadden Sea Station Sylt. It is a member of the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres (HGF); the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) covers 90% of financing, the state of Bremen 8% and the states of Brandenburg and Schleswig-Holstein provide 1% each.

The AWI has four Divisions: Climate System, Geosystem, Pelagic and Benthic Ecosystems. 'Deep Sea Research and AUV', 'Solar UV radiation' and the 'Carbon group' are multidisciplinary workgroups. These are supported by departments for Administration, Logistics, Public Relations, Library and a Computer Centre.

A Board of Governors with representatives from the government, the Länder, scientists and personages from public life, supported by a Scientific Board, takes decisions on general and financial matters relating to the Institute. A Scientific Advisory Council comprised of section heads and elected scientists advises the Directorate on matters relating to the research programme.

The Benthic Ecosystem Division has a long standing experience in ecological research on benthic and fish communities (Prof. Dr. W. E. Arntz). The laboratory at the AWI is well equipped for ecological analyses and experiments, invasive and non-invasive physiological measurements as well as molecular studies. A sophisticated aquarium system and temperature-controlled laboratories are available for animal maintenance and incubations under various environmental conditions.

Our Division deals with ecological, physiological and ecotoxicological topics. Shelf and coastal waters of the North Sea, upwelling regions and polar seas are the areas of major interest. Central themes are (i) the reactions of cells, individuals, populations and communities towards climate variability and change, and (ii) organisation and dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems.

Homepage:

http://www.awi-bremerhaven.de/