Scientific findings have a societal impact when they lead to innovations, developments, decision-making or an increase in knowledge outside the research community. The basis for this is the transfer of research findings to the worlds of politics, business and society. This process is not a one-way street; rather, it involves the exchange of knowledge with a view to jointly developing practical solutions and courses of action.
Knowledge and technology transfer therefore plays a central role in marine research. Research institutions make their findings accessible and useful to non-scientific audiences in a variety of ways, depending on the goals they wish to achieve. MeereOnline has brought together the transfer activities of marine research institutions to provide an overview and make it easier to find relevant information.
DAM transfer offers
The German Marine Research Alliance brings together expertise from across marine research and complements existing transfer activities with cross-cutting formats. These include MeereOnline as an information portal for marine research, as well as dialogue events and advisory services for politics and society, alongside educational initiatives such as the Interactive World Ocean.
2. Transfer activities at universities and research institutes
Knowledge and technology transfer at universities and non-university research institutions follows different priorities. Universities have traditionally combined broad responsibilities in both research and teaching. As a result, knowledge transfer is often closely linked to education, academic communication and regional networks. Partnerships with companies or public institutions frequently emerge from individual departments or research projects and tend to be organised in a comparatively decentralised way.
Non-university research institutions, meanwhile, each have their own distinct institutional profiles and missions, which strongly shape their transfer activities. The Max Planck Society, for example, is primarily focused on fundamental research. Here, transfer usually takes place through programmes for educational institutions or through spin-off companies emerging from outstanding research. The Helmholtz Association sees transfer as a contribution to solving major societal challenges of the future. The Fraunhofer Society concentrates on applied research and the direct transfer of technology into industry, while Leibniz Association institutes address a broad range of socially, economically and environmentally relevant issues, with a strong emphasis on knowledge transfer.
The following alphabetical overview presents the transfer activities of universities and non-university institutions involved in marine research in Germany.
Helmholtz Centres conduct research on behalf of the state and society. Consequently, knowledge transfer plays a very important role within Helmholtz institutions. The Alfred Wegener Institute, for example, offers a wide range of services in knowledge and technology transfer. The aim is to ensure that knowledge can be used to address challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, at both global and regional levels. This is intended to facilitate innovation and promote informed decision-making in politics and business.
At the ESRAH research centre, Earth system sciences and social sciences work closely together. Researchers investigate how human activity is transforming the Earth system, and how change can be shaped, resilience strengthened and resources used sustainably. The transfer of research findings into politics and the wider public sphere takes place through ESRAH’s communications department as well as through the transfer agency of the University of Hamburg.
Fraunhofer Society
The Fraunhofer Society is one of the world’s leading organisations for applied research. It plays a key role in the innovation process through its focus on future-oriented key technologies and the transfer of research findings into industry and policymaking. Advising stakeholders in politics and business is a central part of its work.
As a joint institution of Leibniz University Hannover and the Technical University of Braunschweig, the Coastal Research Centre (FSK) conducts research in the fields of coastal engineering and maritime technologies. In the area of knowledge transfer, the FSK collaborates with both universities. The research centre organises events itself and, in partnership with its partner institutes, offers models in the fields of hydraulic engineering, coastal protection, offshore technology, geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics.
GEOMAR conducts research into the global ocean, from the seabed to the atmosphere, in order to understand the ocean system and facilitate the development of sustainable solutions to pressing societal problems. As a Helmholtz Centre, it conducts research on behalf of the state and society and attaches great importance to knowledge transfer. To this end, GEOMAR researchers engage in dialogue with a wide range of stakeholder groups to contribute knowledge for societal development and decision-making. Activities include providing scientific advice to policymakers and industry, compiling knowledge, conducting participatory research and facilitating technology transfer.
At Hereon, knowledge is generated and new technologies are researched – for the benefit of the climate, the coast and people. The aim is to help shape a sustainable future. As a Helmholtz Centre, knowledge transfer plays a key role at Hereon. Through technology transfer and external communication, staff support institutions in politics, business and society with their expertise. Hereon also offers climate consultancy through GERICS and the North German Coastal and Climate Office.
The HIFMB is an institutional cooperation between the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), and the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg. It researches marine biodiversity and its importance for the function of marine ecosystems. Knowledge transfer is understood as a dynamic process of exchanging, communicating and sharing knowledge, experience and ideas between the scientific community, policymakers, nature conservation authorities and society. The aim is to translate scientific findings into concrete decisions and actions that support the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.
The Institute of Marine Chemistry and Biology at the University of Oldenburg is an interdisciplinary research institute that addresses fundamental and applied issues in marine and environmental research. Knowledge transfer is evident at the University wherever the findings and results of scientific work are communicated to diverse target groups, particularly those outside the scientific community. Knowledge transfer is understood as mutually reinforcing and enriching interactions with numerous stakeholders from industry and society.
The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde is a non-university research institute covering all core disciplines of marine science. Its research programme focuses on coastal and marginal seas, with particular attention to the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Alongside its scientific work, the institute pursues a dedicated transfer strategy aimed at bringing the findings developed at the IOW into wider society. Its activities are directed especially towards public authorities and agencies, schools, and companies working in marine research technologies.
The Kiel Marine Science research cluster serves as the organisational unit for all researchers in the natural, humanities and social sciences who focus on the oceans, coasts and their impact on humanity. The staff transfers knowledge to society in order to support evidence-based policy options for the effective protection and sustainable use of the oceans. Activities include the transfer of findings – for example from climate and coastal research – to various stakeholders in politics, business and civil society, as well as transdisciplinary research projects.
MARUM generates fundamental scientific insights into the role of the ocean and the seabed within the Earth system as a whole. The institute is committed to conducting open-ended basic research with a sense of responsibility towards society and for the benefit of the marine environment. MARUM informs the public about new findings concerning the marine environment, and through dialogue with society it provides the practical knowledge needed for action.
The MPI-MM is a research institute that provides fundamental knowledge about microorganisms in the ocean and other bodies of water. Its research focuses on the smallest oceanic organisms and their role in global material cycles, particularly those involving carbon and nitrogen. When it comes to sharing its knowledge with the general public, the institute prioritises education and school outreach, as well as public events.
The MPI-M's research aims to improve our understanding of the Earth’s changing climate. The focus is on the processes that shape and alter it. The Institute's work includes developing and analysing highly complex Earth system models, among other things. Knowledge is transferred in a variety of ways: for instance, the MPI-M collaborates with partners such as the University of Hamburg, and participates in public events, symposia, and exhibitions.
The Department of Maritime Systems brings together researchers from a variety of disciplines, including marine science, environmental science, social science, economics and engineering, to focus on coastal and oceanic issues. The department facilitates innovative, interdisciplinary research amongst its own members and in collaboration with external partners in the marine and maritime sectors. Key areas of knowledge transfer focus on technology and industry engagement.
SAM - Senckenberg am Meer, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research)
The SAM investigates the impacts and risks of current environmental changes on marine ecosystems, their habitats and changes in biodiversity, using a wide range of methods. To ensure that the findings not only advance scientific knowledge but also benefit society, researchers at the Senckenberg Society advise, for example, government agencies and local authorities, as well as many other national and international organisations.
Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine are working to improve animal and human health within their environment. Their aim is to help tackle global challenges such as zoonotic diseases, climate change, and the biodiversity crisis. Through transfer activities, knowledge and innovation are shared between academia, society, business and policymakers. This takes place through initiatives including advisory services for decision-makers and a range of public events.
The University of Greifswald makes its environmental and climate expertise accessible, usable and sustainably effective outside academic contexts. It promotes the transfer of research findings to various sectors of society. This is achieved through research and development projects with external partners, policy advice and public lecture and cultural events.
Tropical marine coastal areas are home to some of the most species-rich habitats on Earth, providing a livelihood for many people. However, climate change, environmental pollution and the over-exploitation of natural resources are having a serious impact on these fragile ecosystems. The ZMT's work focuses on tropical coastal systems, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of these habitats. This knowledge is made available to the public through various outreach activities.
3. Research museums
Some museums are actively involved in research alongside their exhibition and curatorial work. The key difference between a research museum and a “traditional” museum lies mainly in what happens behind the scenes.
A research museum is also a scientific institution: researchers work there continuously on their own projects, study the collections and generate new knowledge, which then feeds directly into exhibitions, publications and educational programmes. Exhibitions are therefore not simply an end product, but can also form part of an ongoing research process.
With their public-facing exhibitions and educational opportunities, museums themselves are outstanding institutions for knowledge transfer. This is equally true of the following museums connected with marine research.
DMM - German Oceanograpic Museum, Stralsund
In 1951, a small collection moved into the former St Catherine’s Convent in Stralsund, forming the town’s natural history museum. Over time, the building developed into an internationally recognised museum of marine science and fisheries in the GDR. Following the political transition, it was converted into a foundation under civil law in 1994 and renamed the German Oceanographic Museum in 1998. The combination of scientific exhibitions and living aquariums remains the key to the museum’s success to this day.
The German Maritime Museum is one of eight Leibniz Research Museums. Its staff conduct research, preserve artefacts, and exhibit and communicate German maritime history. The DSM participates in the Leibniz Research Museums Action Plan, which aims to strengthen knowledge transfer. This places an even greater focus on the DSM as a venue for innovative exhibitions, citizen science, and knowledge transfer than before.
4. Departmental research institutions
Policymaking depends on scientific advice. Responsible decisions require reliable evidence — whether on new technologies and their impacts, or on environmental, energy and climate issues. For this reason, the German federal government is directly involved in research and development through its own specialised institutions.
These so-called departmental research institutions focus on current social, technological and economic challenges in order to support and inform political decision-making. The term “departmental” refers to the fact that these institutions do not fall under the responsibility of the research ministry, but instead belong to the relevant federal ministries, such as transport, agriculture or the environment.
Departmental research institutions not only conduct research, but also carry out clearly defined responsibilities, including approval procedures, testing and the development of regulations. In this way, they act as a bridge between politics and science. The transfer of scientific knowledge is therefore one of their core tasks and is reflected across all of their activities.
Further information can be found on the websites of the respective departmental research institutions whose work covers coasts and oceans.
BAW - Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute
The Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute is a departmental research institution within the transport sector. Its work focuses on forward-looking research as well as addressing current practical challenges. This includes investigating the impacts of climate change, supporting the development of low-emission ship propulsion systems and designing nature-based riverbank protection measures. The aim is to provide clients with sound scientific guidance on infrastructure, the environment and mobility, helping to deliver future-proof solutions and prepare the shipping and waterway transport system for changing demands.
BGR - Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources
The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources is a higher federal scientific and technical authority within the remit of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. As the German government’s central geoscientific research and advisory institution, and as Germany’s national geological survey, the BGR carries out statutory responsibilities as well as a wide range of internationally recognised functions.
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency promotes the protection and sustainable use of the seas, particularly the North Sea and Baltic Sea. As a departmental research institution within the remit of the Federal Ministry for Transport, it also works on behalf of other ministries, including those responsible for the environment, economic affairs and research.
Through applied research, the BSH supports safer, more efficient and more sustainable shipping, as well as an environmentally responsible energy transition at sea. It monitors the condition of marine environments and provides extensive openly accessible data. Research, regulation and practical implementation are closely interconnected in its work.
NLWKN - Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation
The Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN) is the state authority responsible for safe flood defences, clean water and the protection of biodiversity in Lower Saxony. Through its expertise in coastal management, water resources and nature conservation, as well as the thousands of measurements and analyses carried out each day, the NLWKN provides essential evidence to support decisions that will shape the future.
Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries
The Thünen Institute is a federal research institution specialising in agriculture and food. In its role as a scientific advisory body for policymakers, the institute develops concepts for environmentally sustainable and economically competitive fisheries and aquaculture.
The Thünen Institute’s specialist institutes for sea fisheries, fisheries ecology and Baltic fisheries collect long-term data on the development of fish stocks, monitor key marine environmental parameters and develop innovative fishing and survey technologies, as well as integrated concepts for marine use. The institute also provides decision-makers with scientifically grounded advice, represents German interests in international commissions and committees, and helps ensure that its research findings are incorporated into guidelines, regulations and legislation.
UBA - Federal Environment Agency
The UBA is Germany’s central environmental authority. Its role is to help ensure a healthy environment in which people are protected as far as possible from harmful environmental impacts. To fulfil this mission, the UBA collects data on the state of the environment, investigates environmental processes, develops forecasts for the future and uses this knowledge to advise the German government, including the Federal Ministry for the Environment. The agency is also responsible for informing the public about environmental issues and responding to public enquiries. In addition, the UBA plays a key role in putting environmental legislation into practice.
