Facts and figures
Key figures
• a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }
- Approximately 140 employees
- Staff from more than 30 countries
- 4 research groups
- 26 laboratories
- Funding (2025): NOK 232.7 million
- NOK 126.9 million government funding
- NOK 105.9 million external funding
- Student enrolment (2026):
- Bachelor's Programme in Earth Science: 212
- Bachelor's Programme in Geoinformatics: 52
- Master's programmes: 111
Organization and professional groups
GEO is organized into four thematic research groups:
- Geophysics
- Quaternary geology and paleoclimate
- Geodynamics and basin studies
- Geochemistry and geobiology
These groups cover everything from the Earth's interior and the deep ocean to climate and natural hazards.
Research – focus area
GEO contributes new knowledge in the fields of energy transition and resources, climate and polar research, geohazards and the environment – areas of great societal relevance nationally and internationally.
Infrastructure and facilities
The institute has 26 laboratories, modern marine and geophysical instruments, access to research vessels and advanced infrastructure for field and expedition activities.
International profile and funding
GEO is involved in a number of EU projects (including ERC and MSCA) and has partnerships in national centers and consortia. This reflects both research quality and a broad international network.
Brief history
1825: Bergen Museum is established – starting point for natural sciences in Bergen.
1946: University of Bergen is established.
2003: Today's GEO is established by merger.