Björn Christian Rost

Prof. Dr. Björn Christian Rost is a Professor and Head of the Marine Biogeosciences department at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). His roles include leading the Phytoplankton Ecophysiology group (PhytoChange) and serving as German representative for the Arctic Ocean Acidification Assessment under AMAP. He specializes in phytoplankton responses to global change, ocean acidification, and biogeochemical processes.

Research interests focus on photosynthesis mechanisms, calcification, nitrogen fixation, and climate-related shifts in marine ecosystems. His work integrates field observations, laboratory experiments, and modeling to understand oceanic carbon cycling and impacts of warming/acidification.

Notable contributions include studies on phytoplankton carbon-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) and participation in major initiatives like the MOSAiC expedition. Awards include the Heinrich Award for paleoclimate research.

He oversees long-term observational programs such as the HAUSGARTEN LTER and collaborates internationally on Arctic and Antarctic research. Active in policy guidance through EU-PolarNet and REKLIM initiatives.