GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is one of the leading marine science institutions in Europe. GEOMAR investigates the chemical, physical, biological, and geological processes in the oceans, as well as their interactions with the seafloor and the atmosphere.

GEOMAR's research encompasses three major topics: Ocean and Climate, Humans and Marine Ecosystems and Seafloor Hazards and Marine Resources.

Research at GEOMAR is organized in four Research Divisions: Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics, Marine Biogeochemistry, Marine Ecology and Dynamics of the Ocean Floor.

GEOMAR cooperates closely with many national and international partners in joint projects. Particularly noteworthy is the cooperation with Kiel University, for example in the research network "Future Ocean" or contributions to Collaborative Research Centres such as SFB 754 "Biogeochemistry Interactions in the Tropical Ocean" (terminated) or SFB 1182 "Origin and Function of Metaorganisms".

In the framework of the programme-oriented research funding of the Helmholtz Association GEOMAR is contributing to the research division "Earth and Environment" with the programme "Changing Earth - Sustaining our Future". This programme which has a duration of seven years, started 2021.