Biosciences

The biosciences division focuses on the identification and quantification of species and the investigation of their behaviour and living. We test scenarios of changing biodiversity and biogeochemical processes by coupled physical-biological models. Our main interest centres on interactions between biology and abiotic processes and in particular, on the carbon and energy cycle in the ecosystems of the polar regions and of the shelf and coastal regions of the North Sea.

Central research themes are (1) reactions of individuals, populations and communities on external influences, and (2) organisation and dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems under natural and disturbed conditions. We are oriented towards the modern concept of biodiversity research. Our science is embedded in the interdisciplinary research program Changing Earth - Sustaining our Future.

The division biosciences is organized in nine sections (see below). Apart from numerous third-party funded projects, the Helmholtz Young Investigator Groups MarESys ARJEL and PlanktoSERV complement our innovative research profile.