Manuela van Pinxteren

Dr. Manuela van Pinxteren is a Scientist at the Atmospheric Chemistry Department of the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) in Leipzig, Germany. She has been working at TROPOS since July 2011, following her postdoctoral research at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ).

Her educational background includes:

• 1997-2002: Study of Chemistry with focus on Environmental Chemistry at University of Leipzig
• September 2002: Diploma in Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry) with "very good" grade (1.3) from University of Leipzig
• September-December 1999: DAAD practical training at University of Campinas, Brazil
• January 2003-April 2006: Doctoral studies at Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ)
• May 2006-June 2011: Postdoc in Department of Analytical Chemistry at Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ)

Dr. van Pinxteren's research focuses on the interactions between ocean and atmosphere, with particular emphasis on analytical method development for trace analysis of natural organic components in marine samples using advanced mass spectrometry techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS). She is an expert in planning and implementing field campaigns for sampling marine aerosol particles and seawater, having led numerous ship expeditions and atmospheric station operations around the world. Her work bridges analytical chemistry, atmospheric science, and oceanography to understand how marine biological processes influence atmospheric composition and climate.

Her recent publications reveal strong focus on marine organic matter, aerosol formation processes, and the connection between ocean biology and atmospheric chemistry. Many examine the role of marine emissions in cloud formation and climate processes, with significant contributions to understanding Arctic Amplification through the AC3 project. Her analytical expertise in characterizing complex organic mixtures has advanced understanding of how marine biogenic compounds transfer to the atmosphere and influence aerosol properties.

Professional service includes:

• Since 2024: National SOLAS Representative
• 2019-2022: Guest editor for special issue on Marine organic matter
• Since 2012: Member of the internal Scientific Council at TROPOS
• 2015: Participant in the "Future Leaders Program" of the Science and Technology in Society Forum in Kyoto, Japan

Dr. van Pinxteren actively contributes to education as a lecturer in the postgraduate program "Analytics and Spectroscopy" at the University of Leipzig since 2012, and at SOLAS Summer Schools in Cape Verde (2022-2023). Her leadership in major field campaigns including MOSAiC, ORIGAMY, and multiple Arctic expeditions demonstrates her commitment to gathering high-quality observational data in challenging environments. She currently leads the DFG project BIOCAT-AEROSOL (2024-2027) and participates in multiple other ongoing research initiatives through 2028.