Antje Boetius

Antje Boetius is a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Bremen and Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research. She leads the Bridge Group for Deep-Sea Ecology and Technology, collaborating with the Max Planck Institute and MARUM (University of Bremen). Her research focuses on climate change impacts on oceans and polar regions, deep-sea habitats, and microbial interactions. Boetius emphasizes science communication, receiving awards for her outreach efforts. She has participated in major expeditions, including the MOSAiC Arctic drift mission, and advocates for achieving the 1.5°C climate target.

Education: Studied Marine Biology at the University of Hamburg, conducted research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and completed her PhD on Arctic deep-sea microbiology at the University of Bremen under Karin Lochte.

Research Interests: Explores microbial life in extreme environments, ocean carbon cycles, and the ecological consequences of polar ice melt. Highlights include discovering symbiotic microbial partnerships in deep-sea methane processing and studying Arctic ecosystem vulnerability.

Grants & Collaborations: Leads international projects like MOSAiC and coordinates the FRAM Ocean Observing System. Engages in policy-relevant research for the UN Decade of Ocean Science.

Labs/Teams: Heads the Deep-Sea Ecology and Technology group, developing advanced underwater exploration tools. Collaborates with global institutions on marine conservation and climate science.