ÅAU is an internationally acknowledged research university with a strong positioning in the interaction with society and business life, and in international research. ÅAU has several centres of excellence appointed by the Academy of Finland. ÅAU have a strong participation in both basic and applied marine research, and part of several national, international (EU, Nordic, BONUS) and global research networks. The research is mainly focused on coastal waters and environmental problems in the Baltic Sea. Major research themes are functioning of shallow softbottom ecosystems, seagrass meadow ecology, eutrophication and biodiversity research.