GEOMAR  Research  Marine Ecology  Experimental Ecology

About GAME

GAME (Global Approach by Modular Experiments) is an international research and education program for students of biology and environmental sciences. It was founded in 2002 at the then predecessor institute of GEOMAR and enables young scientists to investigate the effects of global change on coastal seas. At GAME this is done in a very comprehensive way: all questions are investigated comparatively across geographical and climatic boundaries. For this purpose, identical experiments are carried out each year - on a specific topic - at up to 10 locations worldwide. This modular approach, which is unique in marine research, leads to particularly meaningful research results. This is because the data obtained is not limited to a single ecosystem, but paints a general picture - from the tropics to the high latitudes. To make this possible, GAME cooperates with 38 marine research institutes in 28 countries on 6 continents. However, this network not only allows modular research, but also prepares students for scientific work abroad. For this purpose, GAME has developed a special team concept in which one German participant works closely with a foreign participant. GAME thus combines scientific training with an intensive cultural and social experience.

 

[Translate to English:] Project preparations
[Translate to English:] Implementation
[Translate to English:] Analysis and interpretation

Up to 20 students are supervised each year, conducting the experiments in binational teams at up to 10 locations around the world. The preparation and follow-up of each project takes place together with all participants at GEOMAR in Kiel. In preparation, the approach to ecological questions is worked out and the analysis of data with biostatistical methods is deepened.

In the follow-up phase, all results are comparatively evaluated, interpreted and prepared for publication. Here, students train their ability to communicate science in the form of presentations and in scientific journals. The students benefit from the comprehensive supervision by German and foreign scientists during the entire project period and beyond. By participating in a GAME project, they are optimally qualified for a subsequent doctorate.

With this novel and successful concept, GAME offers a special form of practical relevance and thus prepares students for a career in science and research. At the same time, in addition to scientific know-how, goal-oriented work and the ability to work in a team are also promoted. In the education of young academics, too little importance is often attached to the last skill in particular. GAME places particular emphasis on this component and at the same time promotes intercultural understanding through worldwide exchange.

International experience and networking

GAME combines research and teaching in an innovative and very efficient way. The program is thus so far unique in its kind at German universities. Since 2002, more than 250 students have successfully participated in GAME.

GAME enables young scientists to write their final thesis at a high level in an international project network. The intensive supervision by German and foreign project leaders prepares the students for a scientific career with an international background. At the same time, they are integrated into a global network that can serve as a starting point for cooperation and the exchange of experience and knowledge again and again in their later careers. GAME currently cooperates with a total of 36 marine research institutes on six continents. From Australia to Finland, from Chile to Japan, this globally unique network of scientists combines a wide range of competencies and research opportunities

[Translate to English:] GAME group of 2024

The GAME group of 2024.

Research on the consequences of global change in coastal waters

GAME 2019 Cabo Verde

The impact of plastic waste and microplastics on coastal ecosystems was the focus of many GAME projects between 2013 and 2020.

Light pollution Kiel 2024

Since 2021, GAME has been investigating the consequences of light pollution for the bottom fauna of coastal waters.

GAME projects address the impacts of global change on coastal marine ecosystems.

The ocean hosts the greatest biodiversity, but is far less studied than terrestrial habitats. GAME focuses on the ecosystems of the shallow seas that line the continents. These systems are of paramount importance to humans: they hold essential food resources, provide sinks for carbon dioxide, serve as transportation routes, and protect coastlines. Already, more than 50 percent of the world's population lives near the sea, and this percentage is steadily increasing. As a result, the edges of the oceans are the most affected by global change, where global warming, sea level rise, species displacement and heavy human use all interact. This can have far-reaching consequences for the functioning of these ecosystems. GAME is addressing these consequences. For example, projects in the program have addressed questions of invasion ecology and examined how environmental changes, such as global warming or plastic waste pollution of the oceans, affect species, populations, and communities.

RD3
Marine Ecology

  • You would like to write your Master's thesis on a marine ecology topic, complete the experimental phase in binational teams of two abroad and be comprehensively introduced to working as a scientist? Then apply now for the participation in GAME 2026.
    In 2026, the teams will conduct globally replicated experiments to investigate how different underwater soundscapes affect the colonisation of hard substrates by invertebrates such as mussels, barnacles and tunicates in the sea. The aim is to clarify whether underwater sound influences colonisation in general and, if so, whether natural and anthropogenic soundscapes differ in their effect.  
    Information on the procedure, participation requirements and why GAME could be interesting for you can be found here ►

  • Completed GAME projects

    All GAME projects are presented here in the overview. As of 2012, there is a final report in German for each project, which can be downloaded as a PDF.

    There are also blogs by the teams from the various project years at www.oceanblogs.org.

  • At the beginning of 2011, the GAME Board of Trustees was founded. The declared aim of the Board of Trustees is to promote GAME, as the program particularly raises awareness of the importance of the oceans, promotes cultural exchange as well as the personal development of young scientists, sustainably networks them and qualifies them for the international academic job market. In the future, these aspects are to be communicated more to the general public, not least in order to draw the attention of further sponsors to GAME.

  • We would like to thank all sponsors who make GAME 2025 possible through their financial commitment!

    You too can become a GAME sponsor!

    GAME relies on financial support from companies, foundations and private individuals. With the help of our previous sponsors, numerous students from all over the world have been able to take part in this international training programme. To ensure that the programme can continue in the future, we are looking for sponsors who would like to get involved in marine research, the training of students and the international networking of scientists.

    With your donation, you can enable future students from all over the world to participate in GAME, which combines applied research with an excellent education.

    If you are interested or have any questions, please contact

    Annette Tempelmann

    Mobile: +49 176 76902809

    atempelmann(at)geomar.de

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