The first GEOMAR expedition aboard the research sailing vessel Malizia Explorer set sail today. Scientists from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel are conducting research into seagrass beds and microalgae – also known as phytoplankton – over the course of three short expeditions. The Malizia Explorer is a sailing boat that has been converted for research purposes. Operated by professional sailor Boris Herrmann and his Team Malizia, it has been sailing the world’s oceans since April 2025.