The
The Alfred-Wegener-Institut (AWI), named after the German polar researcher Alfred Wegener, is an internationally recognized research institute headquartered in Bremerhaven, Germany. Founded on July 15, 1980, it is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers and is one of the world's leading centers for polar and marine research.
The AWI focuses on the research of polar regions, the North Sea, and the German coastal areas. The research priorities include:
The institute operates a variety of observatories, research vessels, polar aircraft, and research stations to collect long-term measurement data and understand Earth systems.
The main mission of the AWI is to develop solutions for major and pressing societal questions through innovative and multidisciplinary research. The institute aims to discover, understand, and integrate scientific knowledge about past, present, and future environmental changes from a marine and polar perspective into society.
The values of the AWI are based on the principles of good scientific practice, collegiality, teamwork, and the promotion of talent and diversity. The institute advocates for the freedom of science and rejects discrimination and racism in any form[4].
Sustainability is a central aspect of the work at the AWI. The institute defines sustainability as an integrative concept that encompasses the dimensions of environment, economy, and social issues. This includes:
The AWI is also committed to training young scientists, students, and professionals and promotes international collaboration and networking in the field of marine and polar research.
The AWI is closely connected with politics and society and advises in leading roles on important scientific and political decisions, such as the development of global climate reports and tsunami early warning systems. With over 900 employees and a basic funding of about 140 million euros per year, the AWI is a significant player in the German and international research landscape[3][5].
