Basic funding is provided by the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, additional support for scientific projects by national and international funding agencies and by the industry. The center is closely associated with Kiel University and has its own administration. The research center pursues basic research in the marine environment in the broadest sense. Research themes include natural processes which control the origin, composition, and structure of sediments and magmatic rocks as well as anthropogenic influences interfering with the natural cycles. Marine Environmental Geology Marine Geodynamics Paleoceanology Volcanology and Petrology More information about the departments, projects and employees can also be found in the current Annual Report.
Research vessels find direct access to the deep-water docking facilities in the direct vicinity.