ASU professor receives award for oceanic and climate research

The founding director of the School of Ocean Futures (SOF) and professor at Arizona State University, Susanne Neuer, received the 31st Prof. Dr. Petersen Foundation Excellence Professorship at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel.

The Prof. Dr. Werner Petersen Foundation, is dedicated to advancing science, research, technology and culture. Through the foundation’s Excellence Initiative they work closely with GEOMAR to honor world-renowned scientists with the Excellence Professorship award. The award grants scientists with €20,000 in funding and a six-week research stay at the GEOMAR center in Kiel, Germany.

Neuer, who began her undergraduate studies at the Institute for Marine Sciences— GEOMAR’s predecessor— almost 40 years ago, was profoundly honored to receive this recognition and have the opportunity to reconnect with her alma mater.

“While this is not my first return to Kiel, this award will enable me to deepen my collaborations with scientists at GEOMAR—both by advancing research synergies in the biology of the global carbon cycle and by fostering stronger connections between the School of Ocean Futures at ASU and one of Germany's leading marine science institutions,” said Neuer.

The professorship was awarded to Neuer for her research on the biological carbon pump and the role of phytoplankton and bacteria in the global carbon cycle. This research is essential for understanding how and why the oceans are critical for protecting the climate. She was also recognized for her achievements as a leader, mentor and advocate in the international science community.

“I am particularly excited to engage with early-career scientists at GEOMAR,” said Neuer. “Supporting the next generation in their professional development is essential to ensuring not only their success but also their ability to contribute meaningfully and sustainably to addressing environmental challenges.”

In addition to collaborating with scientists at GEOMAR to advance research on the biological carbon pump, Neuer plans to organize a summer course that will bring together graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from ASU’s School of Ocean Futures and GEOMAR to design field and laboratory experiments for studying these critical processes in the global carbon cycle.

Neuer was also recently named Sustaining Fellow of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) and will be recognized during a ceremony at the 2025 ASLO Aquatic Sciences meeting in March 2025.

Miki Kittilson, the vice dean of the College of Global Futures, complimented Neuer on her accomplishments.

“The recent recognition of Susanne Neuer’s leading-edge research and vital contributions demonstrate her commitment to shaping a thriving future for all,” Kittilson said. “Global Futures is proud to have her represent and lead the School of Ocean Futures.”