Administration

Our Administration is committed to providing professional, reliable and service-oriented support for science and research. Working closely with our scientific departments, research groups and service units, we create the organisational framework that enables excellent research and supports our colleagues in all administrative and research-related matters.

With expertise, dedication and a collaborative approach, we assist researchers and staff throughout every stage of their work—from identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals to human resources, finance, procurement, travel management and the Institute's operational and technical services.

The Administration comprises the Grant and Project Office (individual support unit), the sub teams Human Resources, Financial Accounting, Procurement, Travel Management, and General and Technical Services.

You will find the contact details for each area further down this page. We are always happy to help and look forward to working with you!

Grant and Project Office (individual support unit)

The Grant and Project Office (GPO) is your partner for research funding and project management. We support researchers at every stage of national and international research projects: from identifying suitable funding opportunities and developing competitive proposals to managing funded projects throughout their entire lifecycle.

Our team provides guidance on the national, European and international funding landscape for researchers at all career stages and across a wide range of collaborative funding schemes. We offer tailored support with grant proposal development, research and collaboration agreements, project management, financial and administrative project controlling, reporting, and the preparation and coordination of internal and external project audits.

Whether you are planning a new research initiative or managing an ongoing project, we are here to provide practical advice, reliable support and personalised assistance throughout the process.

Pre-Award & Funding Advice: Dr. Heike Konow
Supporting researchers in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals and navigating funding programmes.

Post-Award & Project Management: Dr. Elina Plesca (Consortium WarmWorld)
Supporting the overall management of WarmWorld and coordinating project implementation.

Post-Award & Financial Management

Martina Böther

EU projects
U.S.-funded projects
Foundation funded projects
MPF foundation-funded projects
BMFTR-funded projects

Sven Neumann

DFG-funded projects
BMFTR-funded projects
VDI-funded projects
EU Joint Undertaking projects

Human Resources Management

The Human Resources team (HR) supports and advises our employees throughout every stage of their employment – from recruitment and onboarding to retirement or departure. We provide guidance on all HR-related matters, including tax and social security issues, and prepare legally compliant employment contracts and scholarship letters.

We are also responsible for payroll administration, pension and retirement matters, absence management, time recording and personnel records. In addition, we assist with relocation expenses and commuter passes, ensuring that administrative processes are handled efficiently and smoothly.

To support reporting and compliance, we prepare reports and dashboards, compile monthly, quarterly and annual statistics, and produce benchmark comparisons as well as ad hoc evaluations. We also act as the institute's point of contact for audits relating to tax, social security, supplementary pension schemes and workers' compensation insurance.

Team leader: Andrea Franke

Staff members:

Stephanie Piltz: Department of Climate Physics (CPH), Scientific Programming (stand-in also for the HR team lead)

Silke Hebeler: Department of Climate Dynamics (CDY), Independent Research Groups, Service Units and Administration

Andrea Franke: Department of Climate Variability (CVA) and Strategic HR Matters

Nicola Boss: Doctoral Employment Contracts (IMPRS), Absences (holidays, sickness) and time recording, Jobticket

Silke Baltroweit: Contracts for Guest and Visiting Appointments, Recruitment and Application Management

Eva Fitek: HR Data Management and Access Management for External Guests

Our Student Assistant: Felisa Kowalewski

Financial Accounting

The Financial Accounting team ensures the efficient and compliant management of the Institute's financial processes. We support researchers and staff by providing reliable financial services and ensuring that all accounting and tax-related matters are handled accurately and transparently.

Our responsibilities include invoice processing and accounting, domestic and international payments, the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, fixed asset accounting, and bank and cash management. We also provide guidance on tax-related matters and ensure compliance with applicable tax regulations.

Team leader: Olga Palienko

Staff for accounting matters: Tatjana Becke, Astrid Erbacher, Regine Wirth-Gundlach

Cost and performance accounting (KLR): Nicole Baison

Procurement

The Procurement team supports our scientific and administrative units in the efficient, sustainable and legally compliant procurement of goods and services. We provide expert advice throughout the procurement process, helping researchers and staff identify the best solutions while ensuring compliance with applicable procurement regulations.

Our services include purchasing and tendering procedures, contract management, and guidance on all aspects of procurement and contracting.

Staff members: Christoph Winter Hilde Burzeya

Travel Management

The Travel Management team supports staff at every stage of their business travel. We provide advice on travel planning, transport and hotel bookings, assist with travel requests, and ensure the efficient processing and reimbursement of travel expenses in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Whether you are travelling within Germany or abroad, we are happy to help you plan your journey and answer any questions relating to business travel.

Staff members: Darja Katrysch, Tatjana Becker,
Our student assitant: Dan Petersen

Reception and Technical Service

The Reception and Technical Services team ensures the smooth, safe and efficient operation of the Institute. We support staff and visitors with a wide range of organisational, infrastructure and facility-related services, helping to create an environment in which excellent research can thrive.

Our services include the Institute Reception and switchboard, incoming and outgoing mail and courier services, key management, seminar room coordination, and catering for meetings and events.

The team also oversees Facility Management and technical operations, including the maintenance of buildings and technical infrastructure, the coordination of maintenance and repair work, collaboration with external service providers, and support for relocations and events. In addition, we coordinate matters relating to occupational health and safety, fire safety, and workplace well-being to ensure a safe and welcoming working environment for everyone.

Reception and Office: Ilona Ehrenpfort, Hilde Burzeya
Our student assistants: Simran Sawant, Lallah Sakhi Saphia Koulli, Elena Kannenberg

Building Technician: Norbert Dammaß

Deputy Caretaker: Kulwinder Singh

Health Management

This special service supports the health and wellbeing of all staff by promoting a healthy, safe and supportive working environment. It coordinates health promotion and prevention initiatives, provides advice on health-related topics, and organises programmes that contribute to the wellbeing of our Institute community.

Nicole Baison