2026 TOS Fellow

Oliver Zielinski

In recognition of outstanding contributions to marine lightscapes, sensor innovation, and AI-driven technologies, and for leadership advancing international collaboration in ocean science

The Oceanography Society (TOS) has named Professor Dr. Oliver Zielinski a Fellow of the Society, recognizing his outstanding and sustained contributions to oceanography through scientific innovation, leadership, education, and service. The TOS Fellows Program honors members whose careers have significantly advanced understanding and stewardship of the ocean while strengthening the global oceanographic community. Dr. Zielinski will be recognized at The Oceanography Society Honors Breakfast, February 24, 2026, during the Ocean Sciences Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland.

A physicist and marine technologist, Zielinski has been a pioneer in aquatic optics, intelligent marine sensing, and the application of artificial intelligence to ocean observation. His work integrates fundamental science with technological innovation and has reshaped how the ocean is observed, modeled, and understood across local to global scales.

Zielinski’s scientific contributions span two major areas. His research on the underwater light field—from in situ measurements to ecosystem modeling—has advanced understanding of marine lightscapes and their ecological consequences. He has co-edited foundational reference works, strengthened the use of classical optical methods through modern instrumentation, and helped bring emerging issues such as Coastal Ocean Darkening and anthropogenic light pollution to international scientific and policy attention, including at the United Nations Ocean Decade Conference.

At the same time, Zielinski has led the application of artificial intelligence for sustainability and ocean protection. As founder of the DFKI4planet competence center, he advanced AI-driven approaches for environmental monitoring, including drone-based systems to quantify plastic pollution that have been deployed internationally and adopted by organizations such as the World Bank.

“Prof. Zielinski has been a pioneer in modern optical oceanography by developing new technologies to sense the oceans and applying artificial intelligence for environmental monitoring,” wrote Dr. Emanuele Organelli, Research Scientist, at Italy’s National Research Council Institute of Marine Sciences, in in a letter supporting his nomination, noting Zielinski’s long-standing commitment to mentoring early-career scientists and fostering collaborative research environments.

“His pioneering contributions to intelligent marine sensing using AI have opened new frontiers in the way we efficiently observe, model, and understand the ocean,” wrote Dr. Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest. “What sets Oliver apart is not only his scientific creativity, but also his leadership and vision.”

Zielinski’s leadership extends beyond research. He has founded and directed major research institutions, including the Centre for Marine Sensors at the University of Oldenburg, the Institute for Marine Resources in Bremerhaven, and the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW). Since January 1, 2026, he has taken on a new and challenging role as Scientific Director at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Geesthacht, where climate, coastal, and materials research are pursued with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. His service includes being a member of the renowned German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat), chairing the German Society for Marine Research, serving on numerous national and international advisory boards, and long-standing engagement with The Oceanography Society, including chairing the Jerlov Award Committee and contributing to Ocean Optics conference leadership.

Education and mentoring are central to Zielinski’s career. Since 2005, he has taught across multiple universities, coordinated graduate programs, supervised 13 PhD students and more than 50 master’s and bachelor’s theses, and consistently integrated students and early-career researchers into international projects and expeditions. Supporters highlight his inclusive, empowering mentoring style and his commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in ocean sciences.

Zielinski’s election as a TOS Fellow recognizes a career defined by sustained excellence, leadership, mentorship, and meaningful societal impact—hallmarks of the Fellows Program and of The Oceanography Society’s mission.