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.