PD Dr. Heidi Kreibich and Prof. Dr. Liane G. Benning are being featured today by the Tagesspiegel in the series “100 Leaders in Berlin Science” - in the section “These Ten Researchers Are Tackling the Environmental Crisis”. 

The two GFZ researchers - along with others - were nominated for this series by the GFZ. The final selection was made by the daily newspaper's science editors. The Tagesspiegel writes about its series: “The science editorial team at the “Tagesspiegel” has selected the 100 most important figures for the year 2026. These individuals stand out for their research achievements or exceptional teaching, demonstrate a strong commitment to society, or shape public debates—ranging from up-and-coming researchers to established stars. We’re introducing them in ten installments, each featuring ten people”.

Liane G. Benning heads Section 3.5, “Interface Geochemistry”, at the GFZ. In recent years, she has led the European project “DEEP PURPLE: Darkening of the Greenland Ice Sheet”, which investigates ice algae in Greenland. The dark algal bloom contributes to accelerated melting of the Greenland ice sheet and thus to rising sea levels—a threat to coastal regions worldwide. The researchers are identifying factors that control the ice algae bloom. These factors are essential for modeling future melting. The project will continue to be funded through the end of this year by an ERC Synergy Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). More here.

Benning has also been a member of the German Science Council—Germany’s highest advisory body on science policy—since 2024. More here.
In February, she was honored as a “Distinguished Lecturer” by the European Association of Geochemistry (EAG). More here.

Heidi Kreibich has headed the GFZ Section 4.4, “Hydrology”, since December 2025. In November 2025, she secured an ERC Synergy Grant. The “LIMIT2ADAPT” project addresses the limits of adaptation to river flooding, a very important topic in light of climate change. Together with researchers from the U.S., the U.K., and the Netherlands, she is developing a model that can be applied worldwide and integrates local adaptation decisions into flood risk assessments to quantify the limits of adaptation. Learn more about the project here.

Beyond her scientific work, Heidi Kreibich is also very active in the European Geosciences Union (EGU), where she serves as President of the Natural Hazards Division.

German article in the Tagesspiegel (paywall):

https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wissen/die-100-kopfe-der-berliner-wissenschaft--teil-9-diese-zehn-forscher-stemmen-sich-gegen-die-umweltkrise-16095786.html