A central development target of the University of Rostock is the promotion of interdisciplinarity. The bundling of various scientific disciplines, as well as the dissolution of original subject boundaries and the close interdisciplinary exchange of scientists, provides an expanded scientific potential to research at the University of Rostock.

Four profiled research focuses of the University of Rostock were organized with the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Faculty: the departments "Life, Light, Matter", "Maritime Systems", "Ageing of the Individuals and Society" and "Knowledge - Culture - Transformation".

The personal competences of the researchers are crucial for the sustainable implementation of the interdisciplinary idea of ​​the University of Rostock. The acquisition of necessary skills is part of the qualification of scientists at an early stage of their careers. A basic understanding of science, clear communication, reciprocal concession as well as trust and the ability to criticize are among the basic elements for successful interdisciplinary cooperation.

The Mare Balticum Fellowship Program combines elements to promote interdisciplinarity with those for promotion of early career researchers. For this reason the Fellowship Program promotes guest stays (up to 3 months) of national and international researchers. Eligible to apply are scientists of the University of Rostock who are members of the Interdisciplinary Faculty.

On the one hand, the program is intended to provide incentives for the initiation and preparation of joint research projects. At the same time, events for doctoral students and postdocs are to be initiated, including interdisciplinary elements and making interdisciplinary and interfaculty exchanges possible.