Understanding climate
for the benefit of society

Christoph Heinze received membership at The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters

Professor. Heinze at the Bjerknes Centre and UiB is one of the newest members of the science academy.

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– I would like to congratulate Christoph Heinze on having been elected to the Norwegian Academy of Sciences. This high-hanging award shows how recognized and respected Christoph is among Norwegian colleagues. Not only is he among the leaders in the world in understanding the marine biogeochemical system, but he has also played a major role nationally by coordinating the Norwegian climate project EVA. This project is one of the reasons why we currently have a fully operational earth system model and will be able to produce data for the next United Nations Intergovernmental Panel report.

Tore Furevik, Director at the Bjerknes Centre.

The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters divides its members into two different classes; the mathematical and natural science class and the class for the humanities and social sciences. Furthermore, the members are based on whether they belong to Norwegian institutions or foreign. Heinze belongs to the group for the Norwegian members, and is one of seven members within the mathematical and natural science class. Heinze is one of two representatives from UiB on the list of new members from science subjects.

Heinze says that membership is a joy for him and that he is very proud.

I had not expected that I would get this membership. I have always thought that the Academy has been a very nice, interesting, and, and exciting organization.

He has spent many years in research in Norway and abroad. As Heinze is a German citizen, he finds it special and nice to be listed among the Norwegian members, he shares that it means a lot to him that he comes in as a Norwegian member. 
Furthermore, he says that:

– It is very nice to see that all the work I have had over the years is recognized. I hadn't counted on the membership, the more positive is this surprise to me.

When the journalist asks if the membership at The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters is considered one of the highlights and peaks of his career, he smiles and nods. Heinze states that his place at the Academy is among his top three highlights during his career. He adds that when he was one of the lead authors of Chapter 7 of the United Nations Climate Panel Report No. 4 and when he was a member of the Scientific Steering Committee of the 10th International Carbon Dioxide Conference, are the other two peaks in his career.

Christoph Heinze
Photo: Helene Dante
This recognition moves me deeply and inspires me for the future.
The membership ceremony is at Grand Hotel in Oslo on the 3rd of May.

Heinze has previously taken a part of the Climate Committee for the Academy of Sciences from 2012-2013, when they organized a lecture series in Oslo at the Academy. He further states that through this project he became better acquainted with the organization.