Kühlungsborn, 29.04.2026 - On April 28, Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space, and Bettina Martin, Minister for Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, visited Andøya Space in Norway.

During their visit, the delegation was also introduced to ongoing research activities at the ALOMAR Observatory and our MAARSY Radar. These facilities are internationally recognized for their contributions to the investigation of the middle atmosphere, providing long-term datasets that are essential for understanding atmospheric dynamics, climate processes, and space-atmosphere interactions.

Representatives from the institute, including director Prof. Claudia Stolle and Prof. Baumgarten, as well as Prof. Dr. Toralf Renkwitz and Dr. Ralph Latteck of the radar remote sensing department, were on site to present current research projects and to discuss recent scientific developments. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of sustained observational infrastructures and international collaboration in advancing atmospheric and space research.

The visit highlights the continued interest of political stakeholders in cutting-edge research infrastructures and underlines the role of dialogue between science and politics in addressing global challenges.

In the picture (f.l.t.r.): Prof. Dr. Gerd Baumgarten, Bettina Martin (Minister for Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania), Dorothee Bär (Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space), Vegard Grøslie Wennesland (State Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Norway), Prof. Dr. Claudia Stolle. 

Further reading:

Tagesschau report on the visit of Minister Dorothee Bär to Andøya Space, including coverage of the MAARSY radar.