The Future Ocean is a Cluster of Excellence founded in November 2006 in line with the German excellence initiative by the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU), the Muthesius Kunsthochschule (MKHS), the Institut für Weltwirtschaft (IfW) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung (GEOMAR).

The ocean plays an important role in the global climate, holds dangers, but simultaneously provides opportunities not just in the form of exploitable resources but also in many different fields of research.

During this first period of funding the cluster of excellence focused on two major areas of research, Greenhouse Oceans (A) and Resources and Risks (B).

The team's scientists from the fields of biology, chemistry, computer sciences, economy, ethics, geography, geosciences, law, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, physics and politics pile their combined knowledge into the research for a common, sustainable ocean for the people.

It consists currently of 55 members and advises the Executive Committee on research-related matters, overall budget allocations and meets at least twice a year.

The Executive Committee meets monthly and makes all operational, management and funding decisions of the cluster.