Mr. Frank Schweikert
Founder and Director of German Ocean Foundation
Frank Schweikert is a journalist, biologist, entrepreneur, diver, sailor, and one of Germany’s most visible advocates for ocean protection and climate action. For more than three decades, he has worked at the intersection of science, communication, policy, and public engagement to strengthen awareness of the ocean as a vital life-support system.
Since 1992, he has led the sailing research and media vessel ALDEBARAN, using it as a low-emission platform for marine research, storytelling, and environmental education. In 2005, he launched the national youth marine science competition “Research at Sea”, enabling young people to conduct real-world ocean research alongside scientists.
In 2015, he co-founded the German Ocean Foundation (Deutsche Meeresstiftung), where he serves on the executive board and has helped establish major initiatives connecting science, business, civil society, and politics. He is also Vice Chair of the German Society for Marine Research (DGM), co-founder and board member of the German Marine Litter Association, and founder of the Hamburg Climate Week.
Frank Schweikert has been actively involved in European sustainability and ocean policy processes and was appointed in 2024 to the EU Mission Board for Oceans and Waters. He is also an associate member of the German Chapter of the Club of Rome and serves on several advisory and supervisory bodies.
His work focuses on translating scientific knowledge into public awareness, partnerships, and political momentum for a healthy ocean and a sustainable future.
Since 1992, he has led the sailing research and media vessel ALDEBARAN, using it as a low-emission platform for marine research, storytelling, and environmental education. In 2005, he launched the national youth marine science competition “Research at Sea”, enabling young people to conduct real-world ocean research alongside scientists.
In 2015, he co-founded the German Ocean Foundation (Deutsche Meeresstiftung), where he serves on the executive board and has helped establish major initiatives connecting science, business, civil society, and politics. He is also Vice Chair of the German Society for Marine Research (DGM), co-founder and board member of the German Marine Litter Association, and founder of the Hamburg Climate Week.
Frank Schweikert has been actively involved in European sustainability and ocean policy processes and was appointed in 2024 to the EU Mission Board for Oceans and Waters. He is also an associate member of the German Chapter of the Club of Rome and serves on several advisory and supervisory bodies.
His work focuses on translating scientific knowledge into public awareness, partnerships, and political momentum for a healthy ocean and a sustainable future.