Kick-off for the DAM in Berlin

Mar 3, 2020

Representatives of the DAM member institutions and DAM Executive Board. Photo: DAM/Dirk Enters

On 3 March, the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM) introduced itself to some 200 guests in the FUTURIUM – House of Futures and outlined its tasks and objectives, based on its mission statement: “Our goal is to promote the sustainable management of coasts, seas and oceans through research, data management and digitalisation, infrastructure and knowledge transfer.” MARUM is also a member of the Alliance.

In his introduction, Michael Meister, parliamentary state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, emphasised the importance of the seas and oceans as a “climate kitchen” that has a direct impact on people’s lives: “That is why researchers are being called on more than ever to come up with courses of action and perspectives for the future – together with society. Together with policymakers.”

Michael Meister, parliamentary state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Photo: DAM/Dirk Enters

DAM Executive Board member Michael Schulz. Photo: DAM/Dirk Enters

DAM Executive Board member Michael Schulz from MARUM outlined the goals and objectives of the German Marine Research Alliance. He emphasized the importance of the stakeholder forum, which the DAM is setting up and which will be its “actual topic generator”. This will include policymakers as well as representatives of business and civil society.

He gave an overview of the DAM's goals and objectives. He emphasized that "for those of us working in science, the planned cooperation within the DAM means having to some extent to move outside our comfort zone and moving forward together – in consultation with stakeholders. The scientific community is aware of this responsibility and I am confident that we will deliver."

Various stakeholders and two marine scientists then took part in a panel discussion entitled “A Sea of Sustainability – From Knowledge to Action”. They discussed transdisciplinary research and described their expectations towards the DAM.

Regrettably, the International Partnership Forum (IPF), which was to have formed the first part of the afternoon’s programme for the kick-off event, had been cancelled at short notice, in response to the continuing spread of the coronavirus and the desire to minimise the risks associated with international travel. The IPF, at which the DAM wanted to present itself to international partner organizations in the field of marine research, is to be held at a later date.

DAM website