This week, MBARI President and CEO Antje Boetius was awarded the Knight Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit. Also known as the Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern, the Knight Commander’s Cross is one of the eight classes of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can bestow on individuals for services to the nation. 

Last November, Boetius was elected to Germany’s Order Pour le Mérite for Science and Arts. Admission to the order is among the highest recognitions for scientists or artists in Germany. Boetius accepted both awards on Sunday in a ceremony with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the federal president of Germany. These prestigious awards underscore the international significance of Boetius’s long-standing contributions to polar and deep-sea sciences and to society.