This paper reviews how the Alfred Wegener Institute studies changes in the ocean and the polar ice regions under climate warming. We bring together results from field observations, laboratory work, and computer models to show how melting ice and changing seas affect global climate and sea level. By combining many approaches, we identify key advances, remaining gaps, and future priorities. Integrating these methods improves our ability to project future climate change and guide decision-making.

Research data only retain their value when they are properly documented and preserved. This report summarizes insights from a seminar on data archiving for early-career researchers. Contributions from data repositories and research projects showed that early planning, clear metadata, and shared responsibility improve data reuse, reproducibility, and scientific impact. Continued training and community standards will further strengthen research quality.