Dr. Sven Karsten

I am a theoretical physicist with a strong background in dynamics and statistics of complex systems (from molecules to the Earth system), holding a Doctorate from the University of Rostock. Over the years, I combined my scientific training with software development, focusing on high-performance computing, algorithm design, and scientific programming.

Currently, I work as a scientific programmer at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (IOW), where I lead the development and maintenance of the IOW Earth System Model (IOW-ESM). My work involves coupling different Earth system model components, implementing efficient algorithms, and ensuring software and scientific quality for climate and oceanographic simulations.

Before joining IOW, I worked in industry on embedded systems and software architecture, with projects ranging from gas chromatography to autonomous underwater vehicles. This experience gives me a practical perspective and helps me build robust and efficient computational solutions also in scientific applications.

I published several peer-reviewed articles, and regularly participate in conferences and teaching. I supervise student research projects and lead exercises in Earth system and climate modeling.

My technical toolkit includes Python, Fortran, C/C++, Bash and more. I work across Linux, Windows, and Mac, and always try to follow good practices in software documentation and versioning.

I am motivated by a passion for both science and programming and enjoy connecting theoretical understanding with practical computation, especially in areas where complex environmental systems meet high-performance computing.

Current work: