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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The renowned The Oceanography Society (TOS) has named Prof Dr Oliver Zielinski as a Fellow, recognizing his outstanding and lasting contributions to oceanography. According to TOS, this prestigious award is based on his scientific innovations, leadership qualities, and commitment to international scientific collaboration and the promotion of young researchers. The official ceremony will take place on February 24, 2026, during the Ocean Sciences Meeting in Glasgow.
Prof Zielinski, a physicist and marine researcher, has been the Scientific Director at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon since the beginning of the year. TOS describes him as a pioneer in optical oceanography, intelligent marine sensing, and the application of artificial intelligence for ocean observation. His work combines fundamental research with technological innovation and has significantly changed how oceans are observed and modeled worldwide. His scientific focus includes studying the underwater light field and its ecological impacts, as well as developing AI-based methods for environmental protection.
Recognition from colleagues
Supporters of his nomination emphasize his innovative strength and leadership:
“Prof Zielinski has decisively shaped modern optical oceanography by developing new technologies for ocean observation and applying AI for environmental monitoring,” says Dr Emanuele Organelli from the Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council (CNR) in Rome. “For years, he has shown strong commitment to promoting young scientists and creating collaborative research environments.” Dr Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest in Saudi Arabia, adds: “His groundbreaking contributions to intelligent marine sensing using AI have opened new horizons for how we efficiently observe, model, and understand the oceans. What sets Oliver Zielinski apart is not only his scientific creativity but also his leadership and vision.”
Achievements in research and teaching
In addition to his research, Prof Zielinski has established and led institutions, including the Center for Marine Sensors at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg and the Institute for Marine Resources in Bremerhaven. His commitment goes far beyond research: since early 2025, he has been a member of the German Council of Science and Humanities (WR), Chair of the German Society for Marine Research, and active in numerous international committees. He has also long advocated for promoting young scientists and diversity in marine sciences.
“For me, the Fellowship is a great honor and recognition of my work as an oceanographer. I will remain committed to the topics for which I have been recognized. At Hereon, I especially want to foster collaboration between climate, coastal, and materials research — because this diversity of topics is what makes our center unique,” says Prof Zielinski about his award.
About TOS
“With the appointment as a TOS Fellow, we honor a career marked by excellence, innovation, and societal impact,” writes The Oceanography Society about its mission. Founded in 1988, TOS promotes the international oceanographic community, interdisciplinary research, and access to education and career opportunities for everybody.
Cutting-edge research for a changing world
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon`s scientific research aims at preserving a world worth living in. To this end, around 1000 employees generate knowledge and research new technologies for greater resilience and sustainability - for the benefit of the climate, the coast and people. The path from idea to innovation leads through a continuous interplay between experimental studies, modeling and AI to digital twins that map the diverse parameters of climate and coast or human biology in the computer. This is an interdisciplinary approach that spans from the fundamental scientific understanding of complex systems to scenarios and practical applications. As an active member of national and international research networks and the Helmholtz Association, Hereon supports politics, business and society in shaping a sustainable future by transferring the expertise it has gained.
Christoph Wöhrle
Science Editor
Communication and Media
Tel.: +49(0) 41 52 87–1648
Email: presse@hereon.de
Prof Oliver Zielinski is delighted by the recognition from The Oceanography Society (TOS). Photo: He ...
Source: Urban Zintel
Copyright: Urban Zintel
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Prof Oliver Zielinski is delighted by the recognition from The Oceanography Society (TOS). Photo: He ...
Source: Urban Zintel
Copyright: Urban Zintel
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