Chief Executive Officer, OceanQvest by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Jiddah, Saudi Arabia
After many years as head of the research unit Physical Oceanography at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and professor at Kiel University, Germany, he is since April 2025 heading this not-for-profit with the aim to advance the frontiers of ocean discovery and science, harnessing emerging technologies and fostering global partnerships to drive lasting benefits for both the environment and society.
His research interests revolve around the ocean’s role in the climate system, ocean circulation, upwelling systems, integrated global ocean observation, digital twins of the ocean, and the ocean dimension of sustainable development. A globally recognized leader in ocean science, Dr. Visbeck brings over 30 years of pioneering expertise in advancing the understanding of the ocean’s critical role within the Earth system.
Dr. Visbeck’s contributions span ocean discovery, research, governance, and technological innovation. His expertise is widely sought by scientific organizations, national governments, and the United Nations, underscoring his profound influence on global ocean policy. Notably, he serves on the governing board of the International Science Council (ISC) and the leadership council of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). He is a key contributor to several international ocean science programs and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
