Antje Boetius is a marine biologist and director of the Alfred Wegener Institute. Between her expedition, TV documentary and scientific publication, she gives us insights into new everyday routines and what else she has in mind for the future.

 

Who are you and what is your profession?

My name is Antje Boetius and I am a deep-sea researcher and director of the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research. I am also a professor of geomicrobiology at the University of Bremen and lead a research group at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen.

What are you currently working on?

Many different things at the same time – from science management to a script for a TV documentary on oceans to a scientific publication on deep-sea microorganisms that use hydrocarbons as an energy source.

Can you describe your workplace in two words?

Bright to stormy.

How do you collect and structure your thoughts?

Notes on my e-infrastructure.

Which trend will influence your work / research the most?

Quickly saving the world!

Who would you like to work with some day?

Captain Nemo

What keeps you awake at night?

Mostly nothing, sometimes nightlife.

Which newsletters have you subscribed to?

New York Times & Nature Briefing

Is there a takeaway from the pandemic that you would like to share? Has anything changed in your daily routine?

More quick power sports for in between.

Tell us a fun or unknown fact about you!

I talk to the sea.

In the future, you would like to…?

…make sure that we – all mankind – appreciate and protect atmosphere, oceans and the wonderful diversity of life.

What is your favourite spot in Berlin?

One is the place around “Die Bogenspannerin” on Museum Island. Another is the Restaurant “Borchardt”. But there are many, many.

Why Berlin Science Week?

Science has to be on the streets and among the people.

What is your contribution to this year’s 6th Berlin Science Week?

To take part in a discussion by the Akademieunion and the Schering Foundation at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy on the topic “Humans & Nature – How do they influence each other?”

PS: What is the most delicious thing you have eaten this week?

A piece of sustainably caught, fresh white halibut from Iceland. With homemade dill sauce.

 

If you want to learn more about Antje Boetius’ research and her ideas check out the event by the Akademieunion and Schering Stiftung ‘Mensch & Natur – Wie beeinflussen sie sich gegenseitig? on 2 Nov at 7pm.