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On November 8th, the German Research Council presented the Abert Maucher Award 2007 in the field of Geosciences to two young researchers. Dr. Martin Blumenberg from the Institute for Biogeochemistry and Marine Chemistry of the University of Hamburg received the award for his work on anerobic methane oxidation. Dr. David Dolejs from the Bavarian Geoinstitute at the University of Bayreuth received the award for his work on the development of complex thermodynamic models for fluor-silicate melts.
Martin Blumenberg has worked in the field of organic geochemistry and isotopic geochemistry, specifically with respect to anerobic methane oxidation. This process occurs in marine sediments and is considered responsible for about 90% of the naturally occurring decomposition of the important greenhouse gas, methane. The geobiological and biogeochemical aspects investigated by Martin Blumenberg are not only of central importance for the present climate conditions but also for the pre-historic development of the Earth’s climate. With his work, Blumenberg has spotlighted the significance of methanotrophic bacteria.
More information (in German) about Dr. Martin Blumenberg
The Albert Maucher Award comprises 10,000 Euros and is awarded every two years to young researchers who have produced excellent results in the field of Geosciences. According to the intention of the benefactor, it is particularly aimed at unconventional research approaches and methods.
