Making Diversity Visible and Joining Forces in the Ocean Biogeochemistry Community of natESM

The workshop was opened by Prof. Jochem Marotzke (Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, natESM Co-Chair), who emphasized its significance within the framework of the national Earth system modeling strategy (natESM). The goal, he noted, was to understand the diversity of existing approaches, identify shared development perspectives, and strengthen synergies across the various components of the natESM system.

The morning session provided a broad overview of current modeling approaches – from REcoM, HAMOCC, and ECOSMO to OPEM – illustrating that the diversity of concepts and levels of complexity is both a major strength and a challenge for integration and collaboration. A key topic of discussion was the Framework for Aquatic Biogeochemical Models (FABM), which was seen as a potential bridge between different hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models.

As the day unfolded, it became clear how valuable this workshop was in initiating a shared process of understanding. When we raised the question of a sustainable, community-oriented development strategy – How can we bring these forces together? – it prompted a moment of reflection and marked the beginning of a new way of thinking: toward an open and collaborative development culture (open development) in ocean biogeochemistry.

As a result of the workshop, Dr. Judith Hauck (AWI) and Dr. Carsten Lemmen (Hereon) agreed, in coordination with Dr. Iris Ehlert (natESM Process Coordinator, DKRZ), to initiate the establishment of a new Ocean Biogeochemistry Working Group. This group will be launched in the coming weeks and will serve as a platform to define interfaces, integration strategies, and shared development goals.

Since the next natESM Community Workshop coincides with the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026, another focus workshop is planned for the coming year to continue and deepen the exchange initiated in Hamburg.

Further information and slides of the talks can be found on the workshop website: www.nat-esm.de/services/workshops-and-trainings/focus-workshops/focus-ws-oceanbgc

Networking during the natESM Focus Workshop on Ocean Biogeochemistry at DKRZ in Hamburg. (Photos: I. Ehlert, DKRZ)