The Climate Summit in Copenhagen confirmed that global warming has to be limited to two degrees Celsius, though there were no resolutions on measures for achieving this goal. It is therefore up to institutions like the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research to continue to work on realistic proposals for stabilising the climate.
The Alfred Wegener Institute, a member of the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, conducts research on global environmental changes in the Arctic, Antarctic and oceans of the temperate latitudes and coordinates polar research in Germany. It examines systems of higher complexity, making use of large-scale research technology. An outstanding example of this is the new Antarctic station, Neumayer III, which was opened in February 2009.
Characteristic features of the work performed by the Institute are its extensive international networking and broad scientific expertise. Biosciences, geosciences and climate sciences work hand in hand. The Institute works up forecasts of future developments and thus makes valuable contributions to securing the future of our society. Transfer of scientific results to industry and society has high priority.
At the same time top-notch research needs public commitment. The support organisation of the Alfred Wegener Institute established in 2009 is intended to serve as a platform and contact point for private persons, companies and institutions that wish to support the research work and thus bundle the fascination of many people for polar and marine systems. Members of the organisation are regularly informed about current activities and invited to events.
The Friends of the Alfred Wegener Institute focus not only on research, but are also committed to the work carried out by the Institute concerning policy consulting, technology transfer and information of the public. A special focal point is contact to children and young people so as to introduce them to natural science and technical topics.
Anyone can become a member of the support organisation.
Annual contribution
Private persons: 30 euros (10 euros for those eligible for reduced rates)
Companies, associations and institutions: 300 euros.
Donations are also welcome.
Further information and membership applications are available from Katharina Friederich (+49 471 4831-2216) or at http://www.awi.de/de/institut/foerderverein.
Contact
Katharina Friederich
Email: Katharina.Friederich(at)awi.de
Department of Communications and Media Relations
Constanze Sanders
Phone: +49 471 4831-2008
Email: medien(at)awi.de
