As the German Centre of Excellence for geoscience BGR advises and informs the Federal Government on all issues relating to geosciences and natural resources. The activities of BGR are guided by the principles of sustainability, responsibility and security. It supports decision-making processes in politics and society. Based on reliable data, information and findings, BGR provides scientific advice of the highest standard. As Germany's Geological Survey, BGR undertakes a large number of international duties. In Germany its main task is to act as a co-ordinator.BGR performs duties in the following fields of scientific research: mineral resources, energy resources, groundwater, soil, final disposal of radioactive waste, subsurface use, nuclear test ban, geo-hazard assessment and geoscientific data. BGR engages in international cooperation in the geosector. In the polar research BGR fulfils the obligations of Germany within the Antarctic Treaty. BGR is subordinate to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). It has a staff of 800 people. They work in an interdisciplinary manner. This includes different fields of expertise such as geology, geophysics, engineering and hydrogeology. At its headquarters in Hannover, BGR forms the GEOZENTRUM together with the State Authority for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG) and Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG). BGR also has a branch office in Berlin.