On January 1, 2026, Heide Schulz-Vogt took over as scientific director of the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW). The internationally renowned marine scientist has been closely associated with the IOW for many years, most recently as the institute's deputy director. She succeeds Oliver Zielinski, who is joining the Helmholtz Centre Hereon as scientific director. Schulz-Vogt will lead the IOW as interim director until a new director is recruited through a regular appointment process.

“The IOW has an excellent scientific reputation – both in Baltic Sea research and in general coastal and marginal sea research. It has outstanding national and international networks in marine research, and its well-coordinated, excellent team of employees is one of the institute's great strengths, alongside its technical equipment. It is therefore a pleasure for me to continue the successful work of the IOW together with everyone,” sais Schulz-Vogt on taking office.

Prof. Dr. Heide Schulz-Vogt is a renowned expert in the fields of microbial ecology, marine biology and geomicrobiology. Since 2012, she has headed the Biological Oceanography Department at the IOW and is also a professor at the University of Rostock. Her research focuses in particular on the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles in marine systems, with a special focus on oxygen, sulphur and phosphorus processes in coastal and marginal seas.

Previously, Schulz-Vogt was group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, junior professor at Leibniz University Hannover and postdoctoral researcher in the USA. She began her scientific career at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, where she completed her doctorate and graduated summa cum laude.

In addition to her research activities, Schulz-Vogt has been involved in scientific advisory boards and selection committees at national and international level for many years. Among other things, she has been senior editor of the ISME Journal, a member of the DFG Senate Commission on Oceanography and active in various scientific advisory boards. She is currently a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the NIOZ (Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research).

With Heide Schulz-Vogt taking office, the IOW is committed to continuity: As a long-standing member of the institute’s leadership, she is familiar with the structures and strategic goals of the IOW as well as the national and international framework conditions for Baltic Sea research. Schulz-Vogt succeeds Oliver Zielinski, who has headed the IOW since March 2023 and will move to the Helmholtz Centre Hereon on January 1, 2026, where he will take up the position of scientific director. “We thank Oliver Zielinski for his great commitment and the new impetus he has brought to the institute during his time here. We wish him all the best and every success in his new role and the exciting challenges it will bring,” Heide Schulz-Vogt concludes.