Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius, marine researcher and microbiologist from Bremerhaven, is awarded the Carl-Friedrich-von-Weizsäcker-Prize for her many years of dedication to exploring the deep sea and its influence on material cycles, biodiversity and worldwide climate change. Endowed with €50,000, the award from the Stifterverband and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina is presented for valuable scientific contributions to tackling the challenges facing society today. It is therefore the German award for scientists working in the area of science-based policy advice.