Dr. Nico Mitschke 

Understanding the molecular complexity of marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a pressing challenge in climate research, as DOM plays a crucial but poorly understood role in the global carbon cycle. Despite decades of research, its molecular composition remains largely uncharacterized, limiting our ability to predict its fate in a changing ocean. Advances in analytical methods, computational modeling, and Aidriven technologies now offer a unique opportunity to redefine how DOM is analyzed. This four-day workshop will bring together 15–20 experts to tackle current analytical and computational challenges in DOM research. Building on the momentum of the COMPASS symposium (March 2025, HWK), participants will assess progress and engage in hands-on modules exploring advanced analytical techniques, computational simulations, and AI-driven technologies. A key focus will be unraveling DOM’s long-term stability, a breakthrough for understanding its role in the carbon cycle. By inviting experts from mathematics, physics, and medicine – who apply groundbreaking methodologies rarely or not yet used in DOM analysis – the workshop will foster a novel and highly interdisciplinary knowledge transfer. To support the workshop’s extended duration, I will seek additional funding from DFG and other sources. As a key outcome of the event, participants will outline collaborative research proposals and publications, propelling DOM research through new methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.