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Since January 1, 2026, the physicist, marine and technology researcher has been leading the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon as Scientific Director. Zielinski focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and artificial intelligence to advance sustainability, resilience, and digitalization. In doing so, he strengthens the centre’s strategic course and future-oriented research.
Shaping the Future Together
After studying physics and earning his doctorate in bio-optical modeling, the now 55-year-old began his career at the Federal Institute of Hydrology and soon moved into leading positions at OPTIMARE in Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven, where he developed technologies for marine monitoring. From 2005 onward, he shaped the field of maritime technologies as a professor at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences and founded the Institute for Marine Resources (IMARE).
From 2011 to 2023, Zielinski was Professor of Marine Sensor Systems at the University of Oldenburg, where he also headed the Center for Marine Sensor Technology and served as Director of the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Sea for a time. In parallel, he established the “Marine Perception” research area at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), linking environmental research with AI applications.
“The unique combination of materials science, coastal and climate research, and the clear focus on digital twins makes Hereon so special to me. These combined areas of expertise are crucial to harmonize resilience, sustainability, and prosperity for a livable future. That motivated me to take on the responsibility of scientific leadership,” says Zielinski.
He was appointed to the German Science and Humanities Council in early 2025 and has been a member of the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) since 2021.
“The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon contributes through its interdisciplinary approach to transferring new technologies into broad application. In line with Germany’s High-Tech Agenda, today’s research leads to new value creation and greater resilience to challenges in climate, environmental, and resource protection. I wish Prof. Dr. Zielinski every success in his new role as Scientific Director,” says Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space.
From 2023 until the end of 2025, Zielinski served as Director of the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW). He will remain affiliated with the University of Rostock even after moving to Hereon. His designated field in Rostock will change from “Earth System Research” to “Environmental Physics and Technology.”
“Oliver Zielinski, together with the team at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), has significantly advanced marine research. With great expertise, creativity, and his passion for the Baltic Sea as a habitat and ecosystem, he has made Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s marine research internationally visible – for that, I thank him sincerely. The fact that he will remain in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern as a professor at the University of Rostock is a strong signal for the future: science thrives on bright minds and cooperation – and that is exactly what we aim for across state borders,” says Bettina Martin, Minister for Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
“With Prof. Dr. Zielinski, we gain at Hereon a personality with extensive scientific experience and strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. We warmly welcome him. At the same time, we thank Professor Dr. Regine Willumeit-Römer, who took over the scientific management on an interim basis in October 2024 and fulfilled this role with great dedication and well-deserved success until the end of 2025,” says Elisabeth Gerndt, Administrative Director of Hereon. Regine Willumeit-Römer will return to her role as Head of the Hereon Institute for Metallic Biomaterials, focusing entirely on the development of innovative implants.
“I am very much looking forward to the joint task of shaping Hereon’s future – with scientific excellence, curiosity, and responsibility. Shaping the future together means for me bringing together insights from natural, material, and engineering sciences and making them usable for solutions that strengthen society and the environment,“ explains Oliver Zielinski.
Dr. Torsten Fischer
Head of Communications and Media
Phone: +49 (0)4152 87–1648
E-mail: presse@hereon.de
Prof. Oliver Zielinski focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration in coastal, climate, and materials ...
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Prof. Oliver Zielinski focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration in coastal, climate, and materials ...
Quelle: Urban Zintel
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