Researcher Spotlight - Meet Boris Shapkin: Improving the Representation of Small-scale Ocean Processes

Within TRR 181, he investigates the ocean dynamics in polar regions with focus on ocean eddies: their formation, drivers and influence on the climate system.
Initially motivated by inspiring books and films about exploration and adventure during research exhibition, he found his fascination in the theoretical side of physical oceanography and climate science.

What motivates you to work in this field? 

“I initially chose to study oceanography because of research expeditions, inspired by books and films about exploration and adventure. Ironically, I have not participated in a large ocean research expedition. Along the way, however, I became fascinated by the theoretical side of physical oceanography and climate science, by how closely the different components of the climate system are connected. Despite the field’s many scientific achievements, there is still so much left to discover.”

How has your background and career path shaped your approach to climate science?

“Already in high school, I knew that I wanted to study oceanography. During my bachelor’s degree in Saint Petersburg, I focused on Arctic sea ice and its changes over the satellite-observation era. Wanting to explore more physical oceanography while maintaining a connection to sea ice, I started to study submesoscale ocean dynamics and their interaction with sea ice during my master’s degree at the University of Hamburg.  For this work, I used high-resolution simulations produced with MITgcm, a numerical model that represents physical processes in the ocean and atmosphere. It was my first experience working with numerical models beyond simple coursework exercises. Alongside my studies, I did several student assistantships, which helped me obtain a position as a scientific programmer in the Climate Dynamics section at AWI after completing my master’s degree. The job wasn't related much to oceanography though and had a focus on Artificial Intelligence (Large Language Model in particular) with its application in climate science. The people and research within the Climate Dynamics section inspired me to apply for a PhD position there, which luckily enough were part of TRR 181 project.”

What are your primary research interests? 

“My current research focuses on ocean dynamics in polar regions with focus on ocean eddies, the processes that generate them, and their influence on the climate system. As my work relies mainly on numerical simulations using AWI’s FESOM model, I also study how accurately climate models represent eddies and their effects. Beyond my PhD topic, I remain very interested in the artificial intelligence in climate science.”

What do you believe are the most pressing challenges in climate science today, and how does your work contribute to addressing them?

“Oh, it's hard to pick one. Of course, given the focus of TRR 181 and my PhD topic, I think about the correct representation of small-scale processes in numerical models: how they transfer energy to larger scales and how well we can parameterize them in coarser-resolution models. All of this helps improve climate simulations, which are important for understanding climate change and making informed decisions about many aspects of our daily lives. Another challenge is that running these models is computationally expensive, which also makes them less accessible. This is where AI might be handy, for example, through machine learning ocean and atmosphere emulators that could replace or speed up certain components of physics-based models. But this is perhaps a story for another project.”

How does collaboration across different institutions and disciplines enhance the impact of your research?

“Most of the time, I work with colleagues from my section at AWI, which already brings together people with different expertise and research perspectives. More broadly, collaboration between across institutions, disciplines, and countries is very important in climate science, it is necessary. I am happy to be part of TRR 181, which allows us to share our research, ideas, and experience through meetings, spring schools, and retreats. But also supports travel to conferences and summer schools, helping us connect with researchers from other institutions and build wider scientific networks.”

What advice would you give to students or young researchers interested in pursuing a career in climate sciences?

“Stay curious and be open to learning from other fields. I believe it is important to find several research directions that interest you, as this allows you to be more flexible and explore different opportunities. Finally, do not be discouraged when a method does not work - understanding why it fails is often an important part of research.”

What is the best way to connect with you for potential research collaboration? 

“Through Linkedin (Boris Shapkin) or just write me an email at boris.shapkin@awi.de.”