UNESCO Chair in Integrated Marine Sciences Extended

Marine research in Kiel has held a leading position worldwide for many years. The local UNESCO Chair in Integrated Marine Sciences has now been extended until 31 December 2029. The Chair has been affiliated with Kiel University since 1997. It is currently jointly led by Prof. Dr Arne Körtzinger, marine chemist at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, and Prof. Dr Silja Klepp, human geographer at Kiel University (CAU).

Strengthening International Cooperation and Networks

There are currently a total of twelve UNESCO Chairs in Germany. Their aim is to strengthen international cooperation in research and teaching and thus contribute to addressing global challenges. The Kiel UNESCO Chair particularly supports training and research networks in West Africa.

Focus on Education and Early-Career Support in West Africa

Prof. Dr Arne Körtzinger and Prof. Dr Silja Klepp have been committed for many years to the education of students and the promotion of early-career researchers in the region. A key example of this is the cooperation with the Ocean Science Center Mindelo (OSCM) in Cabo Verde. The OSCM is jointly operated by GEOMAR and the Instituto do Mar (IMar) in Mindelo, Cabo Verde.

Research Programme FUTURO: Major Research Vessel Campaign Planned

In addition, GEOMAR is closely involved in the activities of the UNESCO Chair through the international research programme FUTURO (Future West African Marine Ecosystems). One of the first major FUTURO activities will be a one-year research vessel campaign in the tropical Atlantic off the West African coast starting in 2029.

Under the leadership of Arne Körtzinger, GEOMAR recently organised a co-design workshop in the Senegalese coastal town of Saly together with project partners from West Africa and Europe, including CAU. The aim was to work jointly with African stakeholders to define key problem areas and thematic priorities for future large-scale research projects.