Sebastian Rokitta

Dr. Sebastian Rokitta is a Senior Scientist at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) within the Marine Biogeosciences department. His research focuses on the ecophysiology of marine primary producers, particularly phytoplankton, exploring their responses to environmental stressors like temperature, light, and ocean acidification. He leads investigations into carbon metabolism, transcriptomic responses, and gene regulation in Arctic and global ocean systems.

Key projects include the MOSAiC expedition, studying Arctic ecosystems, and examining how phytoplankton adapt to climate change. His work bridges cellular physiology with ecosystem modeling, contributing to digital twin frameworks for ocean ecosystems. Collaborations span international polar research and interdisciplinary teams analyzing biogeochemical cycles.

Rokitta’s lab employs advanced microscopy, metabolic profiling, and genomic tools to dissect stress responses in microalgae. His research addresses critical gaps in understanding how phytoplankton mediate carbon fluxes and adapt to changing ocean conditions, with implications for global climate models and marine resource management.