RESEARCH

Research addresses the fluxes of materials and energy linking the ocean surface, the deep seafloor, and the sub-seafloor. Through interdisciplinary approaches spanning physics, chemistry, biology, and geology, a holistic understanding of interactions between the Earth’s environment and life is advanced. Integration of observational data with theoretical frameworks and numerical modeling enables robust assessment of the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on marine ecosystems. These efforts underpin a predictive understanding of ecosystem dynamics and future change.

Exploration at the frontiers of life is conducted in extreme and largely uncharted environments, including ultra-deep ocean regions and low-temperature hydrothermal systems. Advanced exploration technologies, combined with state-of-the-art genomic approaches such as meta-omics, enable the discovery and characterization of previously unknown microorganisms and ecosystems. These investigations provide new insights into the limits of life, the co-evolution of Earth and life, and previously unrecognized functions within biogeochemical cycles—expanding the boundaries of life science.

Over the approximately four-billion-year history since the emergence of life, the oceans and life have continuously interacted and co-evolved. By integrating geological records with studies of the physiological functions of extant microorganisms, key evolutionary transitions—such as the emergence of photosynthesis and the rise of multicellularity—are elucidated. Research extends beyond Earth to examine the prevalence of oceans and the origins of life across celestial bodies within the solar system. These efforts aim to distinguish universal principles from unique characteristics of oceans and life, while fostering new interdisciplinary research domains.

Biological samples and genetic resources (bio-resources) obtained through exploration are systematically examined to unlock their latent value and potential applications. Cutting-edge genome analysis and innovative screening technologies drive the identification of novel enzymes and functional capabilities unique to deep-sea organisms. This work supports the development of application platforms based on marine bio-resources, spanning microbial bio-manufacturing, environmental remediation, energy conversion, and the creation of artificial cells.