🎉 Meet the YOUMARES 15 Core Organizing Committee!

We’re thrilled to introduce the dedicated team behind this year’s conference, happening 22–24 October 2025 at Kiel Marine Science.

Our Organizing Committee brings together passionate early-career researchers, educators, and science communicators from around the world — all united by a shared commitment to ocean sustainability and inclusive knowledge sharing.

🌊 From coordinating sessions and side events to curating interactive formats and outreach activities, they’re working behind the scenes to make YOUMARES 15 an inspiring and impactful experience for everyone involved.

👥 Stay tuned as we spotlight each member of the team and the unique strengths they bring to the table!

Together, we’re shaping the future of marine science — one session at a time.

MSc. Deniz Vural is an environmental scientist and PhD researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute, focusing on shoreface dynamics along permafrost-affected coasts in Arctic Canada. With a background in geological engineering, she combines geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and fieldwork to investigate climate-driven coastal change in polar environments.

Beyond research, Deniz is actively engaged in science communication, capacity building, and international collaboration. Her work connects science with society, empowering early-career researchers and contributing to ocean and climate policy discussions. This marks her second year organizing the YOUMARES conference, where she brings her passion for interdisciplinary dialogue and inclusive science leadership to the forefront.

Dr. Anna Canning is a marine sustainability expert and founder of Atrium Environmental, a consultancy dedicated to helping companies in the Blue Economy navigate environmental challenges through science-based strategies. Her work bridges research and practice, offering tailored solutions that support the sustainable transformation of marine industries.

As President of the German Society for Marine Research (DGM), Dr. Canning fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across marine science and policy spheres. Her mission is to build networks and synergies that drive forward ocean sustainability and planetary health. With a strong foundation in research and a practical orientation toward implementation, she is committed to making scientific knowledge accessible and actionable for a resilient ocean future.

Dipl.-Biol. Frank Schweikert is a seasoned science communicator, environmental advocate, and founder of the German Ocean Foundation (Deutsche Meeresstiftung). With a background in marine biology and journalism, he has spent decades at the intersection of science, media, and policy, working to raise public awareness about ocean issues and sustainability.

As Chair of Germany’s Science Year 2024 – present, he leads national efforts to foster dialogue between science and society, with a focus on freedom in research, thought, and action. Frank is also known for initiating large-scale public outreach initiatives, including exhibitions, science festivals, and expeditions aboard the research vessel Aldebaran.

A passionate ocean ambassador, he continues to champion cross-sector collaboration to promote ocean literacy, climate resilience, and a thriving marine environment.

Dipl.-Bio Peter Nießlbeck is a professional biologist and senior environmental consultant with over 40 years of experience in ecological restoration, marine biology, and environmental law. As Senior Partner at bioConsult svi, he advises on water and soil remediation, nature conservation, and sustainable solutions across sectors. He serves as Vice President of the Association of German Professional Biologists (BDBiol) and the European Countries Biologists Association (ECBA), and holds leadership roles within VBIO, shaping science policy and advocating for the liberal professions in life sciences.