GEOMAR explores the global ocean from the seafloor to the atmosphere to understand the ocean system and enable the development of sustainable solutions for pressing societal issues. Its research and its commitment to knowledge and technology transfer contribute significantly to preserving the function of the ocean and safeguarding it for future generations.

GEOMAR research covers a unique range of physical, chemical, biological and geological ocean processes. Members of the four research divisions Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics, Marine Biogeochemistry, Marine Ecology and Dynamics of the Ocean Floor cooperate in the three core themes Ocean and Climate, Marine Ecosystems and Biogeochemical Cycles and Ocean Threats and Benefits as well as the three Integrative Research Foci Atlantic Ocean Upwelling, Marine Carbon Sinks and Digital Twin Ocean. All work focuses on the open “blue” ocean.

The research is supported by the values and strengths of the centre. This includes Gender and Diversity, Cooperation and Internationalization, Capacity Development, Talent Support, Knowledge and Technology Transfer, Digitalization and Sustainability as well as Modelling, Analytical Facilities, seagoing facilities, observational and experimental facilities, digital facilities and Data Science.

GEOMAR provides important input to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations as well as to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. In the framework of the programme-oriented research funding of the Helmholtz Association, GEOMAR is involved in the programme “Changing Earth – Sustaining our Future” of the research division "Earth and Environment".