GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) is Germany’s national centre for Earth system research and one of the 18 centres of the Helmholtz Association. Headquartered at the Albert Einstein Science Park in Potsdam, GFZ examines the geosphere within the broader System Earth, working closely with physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering disciplines.
GFZ’s research encompasses understanding Earth’s structure and dynamics, Earth observation, natural hazard analysis, georesources, and supporting the energy transition and climate response. Research is organised into five scientific departments—Geodesy, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Geosystems and Geoinformation—across multiple research sections, with a matrix structure that supports disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary collaboration.
GFZ coordinates and participates in the Helmholtz Research Field “Earth and Environment” programme, “Changing Earth – Sustaining our Future” (2021–2027). Within this, GFZ coordinates two research themes (e.g. “Living on a Restless Earth”) and contributes to others, focusing on ecosystem, climate systems, and hazard prediction. To bridge science and society, GFZ hosts SynCom—Synthesis and Communication Platform—to ensure its research informs societal, economic and political decision‑making.
GFZ delivers practical infrastructure such as MESI (Modular Earth Science Infrastructure), including satellite systems, global observatories, laboratories and mobile instruments that serve research, industry and authorities.
In 2023, GFZ integrated the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), expanding its scope to include sustainability transformations, energy transition, climate governance, and socio‑technical change. RIFS offers policy insights, research, and training that intersect significantly with sustainable finance and policymaking.
With over 1,600 staff, multiple locations, and a budget exceeding €120 million (including third‑party funding), GFZ combines scientific strength with infrastructure and strategic engagement to advance Earth‑system knowledge and sustainable solutions.
Our mission
Our mission is to explore our dynamic planet from core to surface, from ground to space, from grain to globe, from past to future. We aim to bring our fundamental science to practical solutions that secure a sustainable life on Earth.
