Katja Matthes

Katja Matthes serves as Director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and holds a W3 Professorship in Atmospheric Physics at both GEOMAR and Kiel University. Her leadership spans multiple research areas including ocean circulation, climate dynamics, and atmospheric physics, with significant contributions to international climate research initiatives.

• Director of GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (since October 2020)
• W3 Professor at GEOMAR and Kiel University (since 2012)
• Head of Working Group 'Physics of the Atmosphere'
• Co-author of the 6th IPCC Assessment Report (2019)
• Member of multiple international scientific committees including POGO, EMB, and IOC-UNESCO

Dr. Matthes' research focuses on the complex interactions between the atmosphere, ocean, and climate system. Her work particularly emphasizes stratosphere-troposphere-ocean modeling, climate-chemistry interactions, and the role of solar variability in climate change. She investigates decadal climate variability mechanisms and contributes to international model intercomparison projects that advance our understanding of natural and anthropogenic climate influences. Her expertise in middle atmosphere dynamics and sun-climate interactions has positioned her as a leading voice in climate science.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on ocean-based climate solutions, with particular emphasis on carbon sequestration mechanisms, marine heatwaves, and the role of ocean circulation in climate predictability. Her work increasingly addresses policy-relevant questions about the ocean's contribution to achieving climate targets and developing sustainable ocean management strategies. The integration of physical oceanography with atmospheric science characterizes her interdisciplinary approach to understanding Earth's climate system.

• Co-author of the 6th IPCC Assessment Report (WG I, Chapter 2)
• Member of AcademiaNet (2010), recognizing excellence in female scientists
• Recipient of the Ernst Reuter Prize from Free University of Berlin (2004)
• Selected participant in Helmholtz Mentoring Program for Women (2009-2010)
• Prize for young scientists from Foundation for Environment and Damage Prevention (2001)

Professor Matthes leads significant research initiatives including the Helmholtz KLIMA Steering Board and serves as Vice President for the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment. Her leadership extends to numerous international collaborations, particularly through the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) and the European Marine Board. As Director of GEOMAR, she oversees Germany's premier marine research institution with a strategic focus on the UN Ocean Decade goals and sustainable ocean management. Her work with the German Alliance for Marine Research shapes national marine science policy while her international committee memberships influence global ocean governance frameworks.