Category: Politics and Science

Politics and Science | Young researchers reporting

From the Heroic Era to the Krill Party: Past, Present and Future Dilemmas at the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)

October 15, 2026

In early August, the 1400 Antarctic experts descended on the Norwegian capital of Oslo for the 12th Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Open Science Conference, held between August 8-19. Every two years, the SCAR conference provides a platform for the Antarctic research community to present ongoing and recent studies, network, and discuss research and conservation ...

Ecosystems | Politics and Science

HIFMB at COP30 – BioAgora: Bringing Ocean Science to Policy

November 12, 2025

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Dr. Josie Antonucci di Carvalho from the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) will highlight Europe’s efforts to bridge science and policy for marine biodiversity.

Ecosystems | Politics and Science

Global Biodiversity Targets Catch Up with Science

November 5, 2025

The United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (2011–2020) saw a surge in research and policy efforts to halt biodiversity loss. However, the Aichi Targets, adopted in 2010, were often criticised for not fully capturing the breadth of marine biodiversity. The new GBF, agreed at COP15, aims to address these gaps.

Ecosystems | Politics and Science

“Faktencheck Artenvielfalt” – and then?

February 20, 2025

In October 2024 the first Germany wide biodiversity assessment “Faktencheck Artenvielfalt” was published. The HIFMB led the writing process of the chapter on status and changes of coastal and marine biodiversity, their drivers and consequences, as well as options and needs for action to improve its status. The assessment compiled information and data from numerous ...

Ecosystems | Event | Politics and Science

Inside COP 16 (United Nations Biodiversity Conference)

October 24, 2024

Government representatives, international organizations, scientists, NGOs and many more are meeting in Cali, Colombia, until 1 November to develop strategies to protect biodiversity and negotiate concrete measures. Dr Ute Jacob from the HIFMB Transfer Office has an official observer status and is on site in Cali.

Politics and Science

“The ship has reached the shore!”

March 21, 2023

With these exhausted but happy words, Rena Lee, President of the UN Negotiations on a Protection of Biodiversity in International Waters, announced that the member states had reached an agreement on March 7, 2023, after more than years.

Cooperation | Ecosystems | HIFMB inside | Politics and Science | Young researchers reporting

Science Communication – Bridging the Gap Between Scientific Research and Policy Implementation

January 2, 2023

My summer spent at the Helmholtz Institute of Functional and Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) has broadened my horizons and strengthened my research skills. The HIFMB allowed me to explore new areas of research and further develop my interests in advancing how we communicate complex scientific topics to the public.

Ecosystems | Human impact | Politics and Science | Young researchers reporting

The Wadden Sea and Its Stakeholders

August 4, 2021

The Wadden Sea creates the largest unbroken tidal flat system in the world. This allows marine organisms of all shapes and sizes to flourish and draws in other migratory species like birds and seals from great distances. However, climate change and other anthropogenic forces have disrupted the balance of the Wadden Sea.

Cooperation | Human impact | Politics and Science

Grant for New Project on Ocean Infrastructure

July 13, 2021

Oceans are vital for the transport of goods and data - but they are not in good shape. How can we reconcile the benefits for people and the protection of the oceans? How can the sea be sustainably used and protected?

Human impact | Politics and Science

A Marine Political Ecology Perspective

January 25, 2021

Only within the last couple decades have social science and humanities scholars intentionally taken their disciplines offshore and into the depths of the sea. Academic and policy circles now recognize the justification for interdisciplinary ocean research. Such efforts have brought attention to the ocean’s importance to every aspect of our lives. This turn has not ...

HIFMB NEWSLETTER