YOUMARES 15 in Kiel – young ocean researchers with a promising future
As in previous years, the German Ocean Foundation supported YOUMARES, the conference for young marine researchers, held this year in Kiel. The international conference, led by young scientists, is aimed at students, early-career researchers, and experts from science, politics, education, and industry. This year's theme was "Ocean Connections: Bridging Science, Policy, and Communities for Conservation and Recovery" – in line with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), which promotes inclusive, cross-sectoral cooperation within the global ocean community. YOUMARES is an initiative of the German Society for Marine Research (DGM) and is supported by the German Ocean Foundation.
The ceremony opened with a keynote speech by Frank Schweikert, Director of the German Ocean Foundation, with an “Urgent call to take action from ocean science knowledge now”, so that scientific findings are automatically translated into political and social action for the benefit of a healthy and sustainable ocean, both for now and for future generations.
The topics covered at the conference ranged from microplastics and algae research to deep-sea ecosystems, ocean formation, and climate change to sustainable ocean management and the blue economy. Numerous inspiring discussions were held between lectures, workshops, and panels. The international exchange was particularly exciting: young researchers from all over the world presented innovative approaches—for example, on genetic diversity in seagrass beds, the adaptability of corals to rising temperatures, and AI-supported ocean monitoring with autonomous underwater robots.
A creative perspective was also well represented: the exhibition “WITNESS THE WATER – The Living and Dying Faces of Climate Justice” demonstrated just how art can help convey the urgency of climate protection in an emotional way. Workshops made it clear that marine conservation is not just about research, but also requires cooperation, communication, and personal commitment.
Encouraging young marine scientists to get involved in our work, Leana Bremer presented some of the ongoing projects of the German Ocean Foundation with her talk “From Vision to Action: Youth Engagement in the German Ocean Foundation's Ocean Decade Projects”. She called on participants to actively engage in the protection and preservation of the ocean and to become part of the movement themselves.
Overall, YOUMARES 15 was an inspiring mix of science, creativity, and community spirit—a place where you could really feel how much passion and innovative power the young generation of marine researchers has.
