Ricarda Winkelmann

Ricarda Winkelmann is Professor of Climate System Analysis at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and University of Potsdam, where she leads the FutureLab on Earth Resilience in the Anthropocene and the Working Group on Ice Dynamics. She serves as a member of the Earth Commission and holds leadership roles in major international projects including EU-H2020's TiPACCs and PROTECT, Leibniz Project DominoES, and multiple DFG-funded initiatives.

Her research focuses on ice sheet dynamics in Antarctica and Greenland, investigating tipping points in the climate system through advanced numerical modeling. She specializes in sea-level rise projections, ice-ocean interactions, and the stability thresholds of polar ice sheets using the Parallel Ice Sheet Model (PISM) and Ice Shelf Cavity Model (PICO). Her work integrates glaciology, climate modeling, and Earth system science to assess planetary boundaries and potential domino effects in the Earth system, with emphasis on anthropogenic climate impacts.

Professor Winkelmann's scientific recognition includes:

• Young Scientist of the Year (2018)
• EGU Outstanding Early Career Scientists Award (2017)
• Karl-Scheel-Prize (2017)
• Teaching award 'E-Learning UP' from University of Potsdam (2017)
• Young Elite Award 'Top 40 under 40 in Science' (2016, 2017)
• Publication Award by Leibniz-Kolleg Potsdam (2013)

She has secured substantial research funding as Principal Investigator for EU-H2020 projects TiPACCs and PROTECT, DFG projects VAST, GEOLQUEA, XMELT, GIS-TIP, HASH, and PISM-FESOM, and Leibniz Project DominoES. Her grant portfolio examines ice sheet vulnerability, glacial isostatic adjustment, and climate policy implications of Antarctic tipping points. While student advisees aren't listed in source materials, she mentors through leadership of interdisciplinary teams and scientific expeditions.

Professor Winkelmann directs the Ice Dynamics Working Group within PIK's Department Earth System Analysis and leads the FutureLab on Earth Resilience. Her research team develops open-source ice sheet models and conducts fieldwork through Antarctic expeditions (ANT-XXVII/2 and ANT-XXXIII/2 on Polarstern) and the interdisciplinary Expedition Anthropocene in the Andes with the German Young Academy.