Internationally competitive and visible research needs a sound foundation of infrastructure. Amongts them are analytical methods, IT and library services, dive training, maintenance, safety, and a range of day-to-day administrative tasks are provided by the infrastructure department.

The Infrastructure department establishes tools in analytical chemistry, experimental biology, molecular biology, aquaculture, thin section and scanning electron microscopy. The central laboratories of ZMT comprise a chemistry laboratory, a biology laboratory, a marine experimental facility (MAREE), a thin section and scanning electron microscopy laboratory, and a mangrove research facility.

In accordance with the Open Access policy of ZMT and the Leibniz Association, the library coordinates Open Access publication of research results. The scientific data repository of ZMT is currently being refined in terms of Open Data with the goal to store, share and integrate data across the ZMT-specific disciplines. In-house services include the production of custom-made analytical devices as well as maintaining and progressing high-level IT operations including programming.

Additionally, ZMT runs a Scientific Diving Centre to meet the rising demand in dive training and support. The services offered by the Scientific Diving Centre include dive training according to the respective rules and laws, dive planning and logistics, risk assessments, maintenance, and the handling of insurance issues.

The infrastructure department also cares for the premises thus enabling to host the growing number of staff. Services include standard analyses, maintenance of field devices, and training of students and guest scientists. The technicians also support the scientists during field excursions and research cruises. Infrastructural capacities, in particular the laboratories, are also needed for training of international students and guests. This service is also provided to cooperation partners and external users, at the current market rate. Furthermore, the administration supports scientific consulting activities.

The Infrastructure department contributes to the ZMT mission by offering service-oriented support that enables scientists, students and guests to realise their respective research projects and trainings.