On March 20, 2026, the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), will welcome a new scientific director whose expertise and international experience promise to elevate the institution’s standing in polar and marine science. Professor Dr. Hajo Eicken, a distinguished glaciologist and prominent figure in Arctic research, will assume this crucial leadership role after nearly three decades of influential work, most recently as director of the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Professor Eicken’s appointment reflects a strategic alignment of the AWI’s rich heritage in oceanic and atmospheric physics with advancing interdisciplinary approaches that bridge social and natural sciences. His career, deeply rooted in the Arctic, showcases a commitment to integrating diverse perspectives—ranging from indigenous knowledge systems to cutting-edge sensor technologies—into comprehensive Earth system research frameworks. This multidimensional approach is essential for unraveling the complexities of polar environments under rapid climatic transformations.
Originating from Bremerhaven, Germany, Professor Eicken earned his doctorate at the University of Bremen in 1990. Following his doctoral work, he initially contributed to AWI’s oceanic and atmospheric physics research until 1997. His transatlantic journey to Alaska in 1998 marked the beginning of an era where he expanded the frontiers of polar science, assuming numerous academic and administrative positions culminating in his leadership of the IARC for over a decade. His core scientific interests have consistently centered on marine ice research, ideally positioning him to guide AWI’s exploration and understanding of polar sea ice dynamics.
Eicken’s research philosophy emphasizes the necessity of constructing bridges—not only among academic disciplines but also between science and policy realms. His experience liaising among scientists, policymakers, indigenous communities, and business stakeholders highlights his belief in collaborative knowledge production as a driver of pragmatic climate resilience and adaptation strategies. This holistic perspective is especially vital as the AWI integrates novel polar research platforms, such as the state-of-the-art Polarstern icebreaker, into Earth system science agendas.
In light of increasing geopolitical and environmental challenges facing the Arctic region, Eicken’s leadership promises to fortify AWI’s position on the global stage. German Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space Dorothee Bär underscored this sentiment, lauding Eicken’s recruitment as a critical milestone that will sustain and expand Germany’s leadership in marine and polar research. She emphasized the essential role that AWI plays in generating knowledge crucial to addressing climate change and resource conservation.
Beyond international collaboration, Professor Eicken envisions a strengthened nexus between AWI and local stakeholders in Bremen and Bremerhaven. This regionally grounded engagement aims to translate cutting-edge scientific insights into actionable advice for coastal and water protection authorities. By aligning research outputs with local environmental management needs, AWI can enhance both regional resilience and global knowledge exchange—a dual impact central to Eicken’s vision.
Dr. Henrike Müller, Senator for Environment, Climate and Science of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, highlighted this local significance, emphasizing the sensitivity and importance of Bremen’s coastal and marine ecosystems. The integration of AWI’s research expertise into regional conservation efforts exemplifies how scientific institutions can drive tangible environmental stewardship, reinforcing the institute’s critical role at multiple scales.
Eicken’s return to Germany from Alaska also symbolizes a broader trend in polar research: the increasing necessity of international collaboration and knowledge exchange. The cooperative ethos characteristic of the Helmholtz Association aligns with Eicken’s extensive network, cultivated over decades of cross-border partnerships. This network will be instrumental as AWI undertakes ambitious projects such as the forthcoming International Polar Year and numerous high-profile Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
Helmholtz Association President Prof. Dr. Martin Keller acknowledged Eicken as a visionary leader with a uniquely transatlantic perspective. In a world undergoing rapid environmental shifts, such global outlooks are indispensable for fostering innovative research and effective cooperation in Arctic science. Keller warmly welcomed Eicken back to Germany, anticipating fruitful exchanges that will enrich both national and international polar research efforts.
Amid growing scrutiny of international Arctic research due to geopolitical tensions and climate imperatives, AWI’s current acting director, Prof. Dr. Maarten Boersma, expressed optimism that Eicken’s expertise will invigorate the institute’s contributions. Boersma underscored that Eicken’s arrival is a significant stroke of fortune during a period demanding not only scientific excellence but also diplomatic finesse and interdisciplinarity.
At the University of Bremen, Prof. Dr. Jutta Günther also celebrated the new appointment, noting that Eicken’s cooperative professorship would foster synergies between the university and AWI. Such institutional linkages will facilitate knowledge transfer, training of the next generation of scientists, and enhanced research output, all vital components for sustaining Germany’s competitive edge in polar sciences.
The international scientific community has likewise voiced strong support. Henry Burgess, President of the International Arctic Science Committee, emphasized Eicken’s dedication to scientific excellence and impactful leadership, particularly as the global polar community approaches the Fifth International Polar Year. Similarly, Sandy Starkweather of NOAA applauded Eicken’s inclusive approach, especially his efforts to amplify Indigenous voices and foster multinational cooperation, which are pivotal in the complex landscape of Arctic research governance.
With this appointment, the Alfred Wegener Institute embarks on a promising new chapter. Under Professor Dr. Hajo Eicken’s direction, the institute looks set to deepen its interdisciplinary research, expand strategic partnerships, and enhance its role as a global beacon of polar and marine sciences. This leadership transition comes at a critical juncture, as the scientific community intensifies efforts to understand and mitigate the repercussions of climate change on the Earth’s polar frontiers.
Subject of Research: Polar and Marine Research, Glaciology, Arctic Science, Marine Ice Dynamics, Earth System Science Integration
Article Title: Professor Dr. Hajo Eicken Appointed Scientific Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute: A New Era for Polar Research
News Publication Date: Information not explicitly stated; anticipated leadership start on March 20, 2026
Image Credits: © IARC, UAF, Chynna Lockett
Keywords: Science careers, Polar research, Marine research, Arctic research, Glaciology, Earth system science, International collaboration, Indigenous knowledge integration
