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![[Translate to English:] Eisberg](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/7/csm_20220806_Eisberg_ChristianRRohleder_001_69a7a1ae09.jpg "Iceberg")
Focus
Short notices
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The environment shapes security
25. June 2026Global environmental changes, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing ecosystem pollution, pose significant security risks. These changes endanger people, social stability, economic performance, and the ability of states to act. The German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU) emphasizes this point in its latest assessment. These changes must be prioritized in national and international security strategies. AWI scientist Hans-Otto Pörtner contributed to the report. See the WBGU press release.
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Talk with Canada's Arctic Ambassador
23. June 2026During a discussion titled "Arctic Security and Cooperation in a Time of Geopolitical Change," political and academic representatives in Berlin discussed scientific cooperation in the Arctic. The Aspen Institute Germany and the Canadian Embassy organized the event. The AWI was represented by Bernhard Diekmann, Volker Rachold, and Bennet Juhls. During their discussions with Virginia Mearns, Canada’s Arctic Ambassador, the focus was on joint projects, including the 2027 Arctic Pulse expeditions, as well as maintaining the continuity of bilateral Arctic research.
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200 Years of Georg von Neumayer
22. June 2026Pioneer of German Polar Research: 21 June marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of the German polar explorer Georg von Neumayer. A pioneer of international polar research, Neumayer played a key role in organising the first German Antarctic expedition (1901–1903). As co-organiser of the First International Polar Year (1882–83), he promoted international scientific cooperation in the polar regions. His legacy lives on today in the form of the AWI Antarctic station named after him — Neumayer Station III.
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Christoph Ploß and Uwe Schmidt visit the AWI
19. June 2026Christoph Ploß, the German Federal Government’s Coordinator for the Maritime Economy and Tourism, and Uwe Schmidt, Member of the Bundestag, visited the AWI in Bremerhaven. After meeting AWI Director Hajo Eicken and Administrative Director Karsten Wurr, they toured the research icebreaker Polarstern at the Lloyd shipyard. Also present on behalf of the AWI were Uwe Nixdorf, Deputy Director and Head of the Logistics and Research Platforms Department, and Detlef Wilde, Project Manager for POLARSTERN II. The discussions focused on the importance of maritime transport routes, spin-offs from research and the plans for constructing the new Polarstern.
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Work on the Bluehouse Helgoland is progressing
18. June 2026Following the demolition of the old aquarium and extensive preparatory work, an important first milestone has now been reached for the new Bluehouse as a place where science and public can come together, featuring a unique interactive permanent exhibition on marine research. The pouring of the concrete foundation slab for the building began on 16 June. Located at a depth of almost nine metres, it forms the base of the building's second basement level, which is being constructed next to the AWI on Helgoland. In the future, the AWI's OPENSEA school laboratory will also find a new home within this building complex. Watch the live stream.
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AWI Team at the Bremerhaven Dragon Boat Race
16. June 2026Thanks to a fantastic team effort, an AWI team, the Arctic Dragons, successfully competed in this year’s dragon boat race in Bremerhaven, exceeding their own expectations. In the “FUN Gold” category, the team achieved an outstanding 4th place out of a total of 16 teams in the 250-meter sprint event. In addition to their athletic success, the focus was above all on team spirit, a great atmosphere, and plenty of fun on the water.