Maike Nicolai
Phone: +49 431 600-2807
Mail: mnicolai(at)geomar.de

GEOMAR Director Prof Dr Katja Matthes with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Daniel Günther, Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein. Photo: Thomas Eisenkrätzer, GEOMAR
Knowledge Transfer at GEOMAR
With its engagment in knowledge transfer, GEOMAR contributes to a better understanding and protection of the ocean and to safeguarding its important functions for today's population and future generations. Knowledge transfer is an integral part of the GEOMAR 2030 strategy and an important element of GEOMAR research.
GEOMAR researchers interact in a variety of ways at different levels with a wide range of dialogue groups in order to contribute knowledge for social development and decision-making.
Knowledge transfer activities and formats at GEOMAR
- Scientific advice, especially for policymakers: participation in consultations, hearings, negotiations, high-level meetings and dialogue events, membership in advisory bodies
- Knowledge collections: Fact sheets, policy briefs, position papers and policy-relevant studies and assessment reports
- Information services: online and interactive data or knowledge platforms, models and digital twins
- Participatory research and co-creative solution design
- Citizen science
- School programmes
Knowledge transfer is integrated into the support of talent and young scientists. The EngageComm Fund enables knowledge transfer and science communication projects at GEOMAR since 2023.
Educational formats have been part of transfer activities at GEOMAR since 2003, such as cooperations with secondary schools in Schleswig-Holstein and a support programme for particularly talented and motivated young people. Another hub for capacity building and knowledge exchange is the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo (OSCM) in Cabo Verde, founded in 2017 together with the Instituto do Mar (IMar).
The involvement of GEOMAR in the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) is particularly relevant for knowledge transfer.
GEOMAR contributes to knowledge transfer within the Helmholtz Association through the SynCom of the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment and the Helmholtz KLIMA initiative.
GEOMAR is also involved in knowledge transfer activities of the German Marine Research Alliance (Deutsche Allianz Meeresforschung, DAM) and the German Marine Research Consortium (Konsortium Deutsche Meeresforschung, KDM), the German Climate Consortium (Deutsches Klima-Konsorium, DKK), the European Marine Board (EMB) and other national and international networks.