GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research is one of the leading institutions in the field of marine sciences in Europe. The institutes’ mandate is the interdisciplinary investigation of all relevant aspects of modern marine sciences, from sea floor geology to marine meteorology. Research is conducted worldwide in all oceans.

The institute has four major research divisions:

Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics
Marine Biogeochemistry
Marine Ecology
Dynamics of the Ocean Floor.

In addition, GEOMAR contributes to the Cluster of Excellence "The Future Ocean"

GEOMAR cooperates closely with the University of Kiel in the education of future marine scientists. Additional contributions to other curricula such as Geology and Geophysics are also provided. GEOMAR also has cooperative programs with other universities around the world. Special programs for pupils and teachers aim to stimulate interest in the marine sciences at an early stage.

The institute is a member of the Helmholtz Association and employs more than 850 scientific and technical staff.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research

473

expedition days on research vessels
1,000

employees at GEOMAR
53

nations are represented among the 500 scientists

Topics

Ocean and cryosphere in climate change

Marine and polar life - maintaining biodiversity, biotic interactions, and biogeochemical functions.

The deep sea: diving with depth, foresight, and responsibility

Climate change, environmental pollution, and increased access to marine resources are jeopardizing key ecosystem functions. GEOMAR marine researcher Sylvia Sander calls for urgent action to close the…
Earth & Environment
"The UN Ocean Conference brings together more than just countries"

Three questions for Katja Matthes, Director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, at the conclusion of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice.
Information, Aeronautics, Space and Transport, Health, Earth & Environment, Energy, Matter
What moved us this year

As 2024 draws to a close, we look back at defining moments in the community. Some are surprising, others are encouraging and still others are thought-provoking. What all ten have in common, however,…
Earth & Environment
After COP29: Surrender is not an Option

Katja Matthes, Director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Coordinator of the Helmholtz Dialogue Platform KLIMA, on the outcome of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference.
Earth & Environment
A new source of oxygen in the deep sea?

Research supported by GEOMAR questions the origins of life and calls for further research on oxygen production in the deep sea
Earth & Environment
“Career paths must become more diverse!”

Katja Matthes applied to be head a Helmholtz Young Investigator Group in 2009, and was successful. Since then the climate researcher has become head of the Helmholtz Center GEOMAR in Kiel. In this…