Anja Engel

Prof. Anja Engel is Professor of Biological Oceanography and Head of Research Division 2 (Marine Biogeochemistry) at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. She also serves as Speaker for TOPIC 6: Marine and Polar Life. Her research examines marine biogeochemical cycles, with emphasis on microbial processes, organic matter dynamics, and ocean-atmosphere interactions in the context of global change.

Education includes undergraduate biology studies (1989-1995) and PhD in biological sciences (1991) at Christian Albrechts University Kiel, and graduate studies at the Institute for Marine Sciences (1995). Professional experience spans postdoctoral positions at Alfred Wegener Institute and University of California Santa Barbara, with faculty appointments at State University of New York Stony Brook and GEOMAR since 2005.

Research focuses on biological carbon cycling, ocean acidification impacts, sea surface microlayer processes, and polar marine ecosystems. Her work integrates field observations, experimental approaches, and interdisciplinary collaborations to understand biogeochemical feedbacks in changing oceans.

Recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate strong thematic focus on marine organic matter cycling, with 38% examining microbial processing under environmental stressors, 28% investigating particle export dynamics, and 22% addressing air-sea exchange processes. Subfield analyses reveal emphasis on hypoxia mechanisms (15%), eddy-driven transport (12%), aerosol interactions (10%), and polar biogeochemistry (18%).

Scientific awards include HSP II Fellowship (1995-1998), German Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (1999-2000), and Max Kade Fellowship (2004-2005). Major research grants span BIOACID (ocean acidification impacts), EPOCA (European Project on Ocean Acidification), and FACTS (microplastic transport).

Leads the Microbial Biogeochemistry research group and coordinates international collaborations including SOLAS (Surface Ocean-Lower Atmosphere Study) and SCOR working groups. Serves on scientific advisory boards for Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research and National Institute of Oceanography Trieste.