Welcome

The Antarctic Research by the Alfred-Wegener-Institute (AWI)

07.03.2018 - Article

Alfred-Wegener-Institut/AWI
Alfred-Wegener-Institut/AWI© Picture Alliance
The Alfred-Wegener-Institute (AWI) in Bremerhaven is a world-reknown leading polar and oceanic research facility.  Founded in 1980, the institute employs more than 1000 staff.  As the Helmholtz-Centre for Polar and Oceanic Research, it is part of the Helmholz Community - the largest German science-based organisation.  The AWI takes its name from the well-known German polar Explorer Alfred Wegener who also discovered the continental drift.

As an internationall reknown centre of competence in the field of polar and oceanic research, the AWI belongs to the few scientific organisations world-wide equally active in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. It co-ordinates the German polar research efforts but also explores the Baltic Sea and its German coastal areas.  Due to its innovative research activities, excellent scientific infrastructure and an extensive history of scientific endeavour, the AWI is exploring virtually all areas of the earth's systems - from the atmosphere to the seabed. Against this background, its efforts are increasingly focusing on understanding the vagaries of climatic change.

In the Antarctic region, the AWI's work is centred on the exploration of the oceanic ice and the Antarctic ice-shield. In this context, New Zealand  acts as an important scientific vantage point and co-operative partner in the field of scientific research.

Please consult the AWI Homepage for  detailed Information.

Top of page