The ICBM carries out fundamental and applied research in marine and environmental sciences. Interdisciplinary research will provide understanding of the various interactions of marine environmental systems. 
The research focuses on marine biogeochemical cycles and energy fluxes, as well as on the functional role of marine biodiversity, especially in coastal zones worldwide, and in the oceans.
The mathematic modelling of different environmental systems is complemented by modern, high-resolution analytics and in-house marine sensor developments.
The institute is composed of three sections covering altogether 18 research groups:
*Section Geochemistry and Analytics
*Section Biology and Ecology
*Section Physics and Modelling
For a better understanding of the complex relations the ICBM aims to foster interdisciplinary research.