GEOMAR is among the largest non-university research institutions in the field of marine sciences in Germany (1000 staff, incl. 450 experienced scientists and about 200 doctoral candidates), and a member of the Helmholtz Association. The Centre’s mandate is the inter- and multidisciplinary investigation of all relevant aspects of modern marine sciences, from sea floor geology through physical, chemical and biological oceanography to marine meteorology. Research is conducted worldwide in all oceans. The main research topics are grouped in four divisions: Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics, Marine Biogeochemistry, Marine Ecology, and Dynamics of the Ocean Floor. GEOMAR cooperates closely with national and international research institutions and with a number of SMEs active in marine technology and science. GEOMAR works closely with Kiel University (CAU) in the field of Ocean research, complementing each other in research, teaching and infrastructure.

Modern infrastructure includes four research vessels, three deep-sea robots (two ROVs and an AUV) with diving depths up to 6000 m, a large number of innovative ship-based and autonomous observing systems (one of the largest pools of autonomously-operated ocean bottom seismometers in Europe) as well as measuring and experimental platforms, state-of-the-art analytical facilities.