Life under extreme conditions at hot springs in the ocean
Nov 21, 2019
Marine researchers at Kiel University decipher adaptation mechanisms of biological communities to an active volcano in Taiwan
The volcanic island of Kueishantao in northeastern Taiwan is an extreme habitat for marine organisms. With an active volcano, the coastal area has a unique hydrothermal field with a multitude of hot springs and volcanic gases. The acidity of the study area was among the highest in the world. The easily accessible shallow water around the volcanic island therefore represents an ideal research environment for investigating the adaptability of marine organisms, some of which are highly specialised, such as crabs, to highly acidified and toxic seawater. Read more
The Sea in Audio-visual Media
Nov 06, 2019
The conference of the Department of Media Studies at Kiel University focused on the social and cultural role of ocean films
On October 24 and 25, 2019, around 80 students, researchers from the various humanities and natural science disciplines, filmmakers as well as interested parties from environmental organisations and the public met for the conference "Screening the Sea: The Audiovisual Media and the Sea" at the Kiel Innovation and Technology Centre (KITZ). The aim was to exchange views on the different dimensions of the representation and functionalisation of the sea in audio-visual media, and their potential for social impact. The conference, which was – for the first time – embedded in the programme of the CineMare International Ocean Film Festival Kiel, dealt with the significance of sea-related films and other audio-visual forms such as virtual reality, video games or YouTube videos for historical and contemporary media cultures and societies.Read more
Addressing climate change with seagrass meadows
Jul 30, 2019
Kiel University develops a new method for largescale mapping of seagrass in the Baltic Sea
Seagrass meadows belong to the most important ecosystems in the ocean. They are nursery grounds for many sea creatures and serve as coastal protection by weakening strong waves. However, these shallow water habitats are currently retreating worldwide. Also in the Baltic Sea they are considered critically endangered e.g. due to the increased input of nutrients in coastal areas. But, seagrass role as carbon storage is becoming ever more important. Seagrass meadows take up significantly more CO2 than a comparable area of forest on land and can therefore play an important role in buffering the effects of climate change. While modern satellites can be used to document wide swathes of habitats and their changes, like forest degradation, on land, this technology is not yet available in the ocean. The European project ECOMAP, which is coordinated at Kiel University, is testing new methods of efficient and precise mapping of seagrass meadows that were developed in cooperation with partners in Poland and Germany. These show that the area coverage of seagrass meadows can be mapped with previously unreached efficiency and accuracy in the decimeter range. Read more
Recycling on Earth for more than 3 billion years
Jul 17, 2019
Plate tectonics much older than previously thought
Only 100 years ago Alfred Wegener developed the theory of continental drift. However, the associated recycling process of crustal material began much earlier than previously thought. An international team of scientists with the participation of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Kiel University now presented evidence that this process started more than three billion years ago. The study was published in the international journal Nature. Read more
Living sustainably, at, from and with the ocean
Jul 05, 2019
Kiel University honoured as a European University with a focus on marine sciences - 5 million Euros awarded for international cooperation
Through the ERASMUS+ project "SEA-EU - The European University of the Seas", Kiel University (CAU) is a member of one of the 17 new European Universities alliances, which were selected from 54 proposals in the first round of applications. This has just been announced by the European Union (EU). The alliances selected will each receive funding of 5 million Euros over the next three years. Under the leadership of the University of Cádiz (Spain), and together with the partner universities of Western Brittany (Brest, France), Gdańsk (Poland), Split (Croatia) and Malta, Kiel University plans to align marine sciences degree programmes and courses across all faculties, as well as at all six locations, to enable unrestricted scientific mobility for students. In addition, virtual course offerings will be developed, and exchanges of staff members between the participating institutions supported. Read more
International workshop for environmental justice at Kiel University
Jun 05, 2019
The effects of climate change - be it storms, flooding or rising of the sea levels along with the resulting environmental crises- have a strong impact on humanity which raises the question of how to handle the consequences appropriately. A relatively small and wealthy part of the global population claims an ever-increasing share of the planet’s resources while polluting and destructing marine and terrestrial habitats. Especially negatively affected by these developments are those groups that are least responsible for them.Read more
Plankton as a climate driver instead of the sun?
May 23, 2019
Fluctuations in the orbital parameters of the Earth are considered to be the trigger for long-term climatic fluctuations such as ice ages. This includes the variation of the inclination angle of the Earth's axis with a cycle of about 40,000 years. Kiel-based marine scientists lead by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel have shown by using a new model that biogeochemical interactions between ocean and atmosphere could also be responsible for climate fluctuations on this time scale. The study was recently published in the renowned journal Nature Geoscience.
The climate history of the earth is marked by periodic changes that are usually ascribed to the solar radiation reaching the surface of the earth. This insolation is not constant over geological time but modulated by cyclic changes in the earth’s orbital parameters. Read more
Kiel scientists receive UNESCO Chair of Integrated Marine Sciences
May 08, 2019
Joint press release of Kiel University (CAU) / Kiel Marine Science (KMS) und GEOMAR Helmholtz-Centre for Ocean Science Kiel
Professor Dr. Arne Körtzinger, a marine chemist at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel and a professor at Kiel University as well as Dr Jörn Schmidt, a fisheries biologist at Kiel University and adjunct in the Marine Affairs Programme at Dalhousie University, now share the UNESCO Chair for Integrated Marine Sciences following appointment by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Therefore, Kiel retains one of only twelve UNESCO Chair in Germany. The UNESCO awards these chairs to strengthen international relationships and promote young scientists in emerging and developing countries. Kiel University has held a UNESCO Chair in marine sciences since 1997. Read more
Kickoff for Humboldt Tipping Project in Kiel and Lima
Mar 18, 2019
The project „Social-Ecological Tipping Points of the Northern Humboldt Current Upwelling System, Economic Repercussions and Governance Strategies (Humboldt-Tipping)“ funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and led by the Kiel University started on 1 March 2019. Read more
How do we finance adaptation to climate change?
Feb 20, 2019
Electricity and heat production, transport, deforestation and livestock farming cause greenhouse gas emissions and contribute towards global climate change. Researchers have long agreed that current and future measures to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions will not be sufficient to prevent serious climate impacts for especially at-risk groups of people. It is now up to us to reduce future damage by adapting to climate change. Which measures are suited to such adaptations and how to finance them are the focus of an interdisciplinary workshop from 6 to 8 March, which is being organised by the Chair for Environmental Philosophy and Ethics at Kiel University (CAU). Anyone who is interested in this topic is welcome to attend the event, which will be held in English and will host international experts. Read more
Divers and Offshore Wind energy
Jan 30, 2019
Meeting on the impact of offshore wind energy on seabirds and marine mammals
On 4-5 February 2019 the Research and Technology Centre West Coast is organizing two day meeting on the topic :“Bird migration across the Ocean“ and „ Offshore Wind energy“. Both meetings are the final conferences for the BIRDMOVE and MultiBird projects which look at the impacts of offshore wind-energy on marine birds and mammals. The conference will take place in the state representative office of Schleswig-Holstein in Berlin. Read more
Full carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification in a tropical coral
Jan 28, 2019
Coral calcification: Microscope-guided microsensor measurements reveal full carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification in a tropical coral
Researchers from the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen and the University of Kiel (CAU) have succeeded in directly measuring three key parameters necessary for skeleton formation in a live tropical coral. This way, they completely characterized the carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification. Read more
World Heritage Sites threatened by rising sea levels
Oct 16, 2018
Kiel-based study shows: danger posed by storm surges could increase by up to 50 percent
In the Mediterranean region, there are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in low-lying coastal areas. These include, for example, the Venetian Lagoon, the Old City of Dubrovnik and the ruins of Carthage. In the course of the 21st century, these sites will increasingly be at risk by storm surges and increasing coastal erosion due to sea-level rise. This is the conclusion of one of the first large-scale studies, carried out by doctoral researcher Lena Reimann from the Department of Geography at Kiel University (CAU), together with Professor Athanasios Vafeidis and international partners. The team published their results in the current issue (Tuesday 16 October) of the renowned journal Nature Communications. Read more
New substances discovered in marine fungi from the North Sea
Jul 16, 2018
Kiel researchers discover unknown gene cluster of two marine species of fungi as a possible basis for new active substances
The ocean is not only a source of mineral raw materials. The world's oceans also hold a hardly-researched but significant potential for the acquisition of new substances from marine organisms such as fungi, which can be used in medicine, cosmetics or crop protection. In the search for unknown substances from the sea, researchers from Kiel University (CAU) and their international colleagues have analysed the genome of two marine fungi from the Wattenmeer (Wadden Sea) in the North Sea for the first time, the species Calcarisporiumsp. and Pestalotiopsissp.. In doing so, they managed to decode new gene clusters that encode for so-called secondary metabolites - an important basis for the development of new drugs. The results were published today (Thursday 5 July) in the journal Scientific Reports. Hier weiterlesen
5 – 6 July KMS-Workshop: THE STUDY OF OCEAN NARRATIVES IN DIGITAL HUMANITIES
Jun 04, 2018
Digital humanities are a rapidly evolving field of study, defined mainly by the use of computer-based methods and digital resources in humanities and cultural studies. While digital humanities have been considered a threat to and/or huge opportunity for classical humanities, they also entail innovative potential for the study of narratives in many subjects of humanities, social sciences, and beyond.
The purpose of the workshop is to bring together researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds to comprehensively discuss these approaches. Keeping in mind that participants start from different points of departure, the workshop is structured around introductory presentations and provides plenty of room for questions and answers. Read more
Marine Researchers from Germany met in Kiel
May 09, 2018
Symposium and christening of a research yacht in memory of marine geologist Eugen Seibold
In honor of Eugen Seibold, who is regarded as the founder of the modern marine geosciences in Germany, a high-ranking symposium took place in Kiel on May 11, 2018. Seibold (May 11, 1918 - October 23, 2013) has trained and shaped generations of oceanographers, and would have been 100 years old this year. Following the symposium, a new offshore research yacht will be christened "Eugen Seibold". Hier weiterlesen
Exhibition April 16th to May 14th Failure with added value - From the shoals of maritime inventions
Apr 16, 2018
An exhibition by students of the History Department of Kiel University on the success story of initially failed maritime inventions.
Since the middle of the 19th century, shipping has changed fundamentally: new inventions conquered the world market and ensured faster and safer shipping traffic. But not all innovations took place without difficulties at the beginning. The exhibition focuses on maritime inventions from Kiel, which initially failed for a variety of reasons, and reveals the amazing success stories behind the apparent failures - failure with added value. Hier weiterlesen
Coasts in Transition– Symposium in Berlin addresses challenges for coastal marine research
Feb 27, 2018
From 28th of February to the 2nd of March, leading coastal researchers met at the Environmental Forum in Berlin for the 2nd symposium "Coastal Research" with the focus "Coasts in Transition." The event supports the "MARE: N - Coastal Regions" agenda process developed by the BMBF, the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, and was organized by the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM) with substantial participation from the KDM Strategy Group "Coast". Read more
Launch World Ocean Review "Coast"
Nov 21, 2017
Coasts – A Vital Habitat Under Pressure
Maribus gGmbH, the Consortium of German Marine Research and the Cluster of Excellence »Future Ocean« are taking on the crucial habitat of the coast in the new World Ocean Review »Coasts – A Vital Habitat Under Pressure« which covers a large range of topics from the fight against natural threats to coastal protection and concepts for conservative use. The »World Ocean Review 5« was presented on 16th November 2017 at the Schleswig-Holstein's Permanent Mission in Berlin as part of an evening event with guests from politics, business, science, media and education. Read more
Research and Technology Centre West Coast of Kiel University obtains a new research vessel
Oct 30, 2017
The Research and Technology Centre West Coast (FTZ) of Kiel University (CAU) has obtained a new research vessel. On Wednesday, October 25, the christening and official commissioning took place in Büsum (in the state of Schleswig-Holstein). The catamaran christened as “Egidora” will be deployed in the coastal waters of the North and Baltic Sea for future research projects and will provide students of coastal and environmental sciences with a mobile education platform. Hier weiterlesen
Workshop Digital Ocean 2017
Sep 18, 2017
Digital transformation is changing all areas of our life, including the way we do research. So, how can we manage the digital transformation toward open ocean research?
Digital Ocean activities will explore and embrace the features of open science throughout the entire lifecycle within research, moving the emphasis of ocean science from ‘publishing as soon as possible’ towards ’sharing knowledge as early as possible’. Ocean research is based on data from a variety of observations, societal surveys, and ocean system simulations. The research benefits from improved sensor systems, more inclusive ocean system modelling, efficient data flow, and big data analytics and algorithmics combined with long-used open research software. Read more
Strong sustainability in coastal areas: a conceptual interpretation of SDG 14
Sep 09, 2017
Scientists explore the implications for coastal areas within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in 2015, the United Nations have reaffirmed their aspirations for inclusive and universal sustainable development. Now, the task is on the UN member states to implement the 2030 Agenda and translate its 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) with 169 specific targets into action. But as well-defined as the 2030 Agenda seems, there are many contradictions between single goals and many open questions when it comes to taking action and making decisions.Read more
Refugees in the Meditteranean Sea and climate migration in the Pacific region
Jul 19, 2017
A lecture by Professor Dr. Silja Klepp, Social dynamic in coastal and sea areas, Department of Geography, Kiel University, within the framework of the "Colloquium Fundamentale".
July 20, 2017 from 18:30
Redtenbacher-Hörsaal, KIT Campus Süd, Geb. 10.91, Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 4, EG, Karlsruhe
Hier weiterlesen
Kiel Science Award goes to Ruth Schmitz-Streit
Jun 21, 2017
State capital Kiel honours microbiologist from Kiel for outstanding scientific achievements
On June 25th, the Kiel Professor and molecular microbiologist Ruth Schmitz-Streit, who has been conducting research in the Cluster of Excellence "The Future Ocean" for more than 10 years and is committed to the support of junior scientists, has received the Science Award 2017 of the City of Kiel, including prize money of 10,000 Euro. Every two years the State Capital Kiel honours outstanding scientific achievements with the Science Award. The award ceremony takes place in an official ceremony in Kiel's City Hall. Hier weiterlesen
Kiel University at Hannover Messe 2017
Apr 20, 2017
From 24 to 28 April 2017 Kiel University will present its research concepts at the Hannover Messe in Hall 2 (Research & Technology). In addition to the four research foci, the emphasis lies on knowledge transfer, patents and start-up initiatives. Examples of excellent individual research will be given to complement the presentation. Events on various special topics, and a stand for Kiel’s partner university Posen are also planned. Poland is the partner country of the 2017 trade fair. Hier weiterlesen
Career Paths of Women in Marine Science and Technology
Apr 18, 2017
Project “Baltic Gender” starts new blog on Oceanblogs.org
A new blog series on women in Marine Science and Technology highlights the successful and diverse career paths of women, who are at different stages of their academic career. The blog, which is initiated by the EU project Baltic Gender, aims to portray the career-related experiences of these women and to bring visibility to their aspirations and achievements as well as their struggles. Read more
Annual Conference of the Working Group Geography of Seas and Coasts (AMK)
Apr 18, 2017
From April 20, until April 21, 2017, the Working Group Geography of Seas and Coasts (AMK) of the German Society for Geography (DGfG) organized its 35th Annual Conference in the Wissenschaftszentrum (Science Center) in Kiel. Within the framework of the interdisciplinary symposium, a broad range of topics were presented in the form of lectures and posters. The topics ranged from coastal morphodynamics to ecosystem services, marine protection, climate adaptation, monitoring, coastal protection and Integrated Coastal Zone Management.Hier weiterlesen
Workshop on the mapping of the seabed in the North and Baltic Sea with medium-sized research vessels
Mar 07, 2017
Medium-sized research vessels such as the Kiel-based ships Poseidon or Alkor play a key role in the area-wide mapping of the seabed in the North and Baltic Sea. The scientific institutions of the North German coastal states work closely together in numerous research projects and collect data for the implementation of political processes such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive or the European Water Directive for state and federal authorities and ministries.
The workshop on the use of "medium-sized research vessels" for the mapping of the seabed as well as the North and Baltic Sea will provide researchers and representatives of state and federal agencies, as well as other experts, with an overview of the range of recently completed and current work at the coast and shelf area of the North and Baltic Sea.Hier weiterlesen
