The State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics (SOED) was established in July, 2006 by the Ministry of Science and technology. The main tasks of SOED are to carry out multi-disciplinary ocean research with advanced observational means such as satellite remote-sensing, to study the processes and mechanisms of the spatial and temporal variations of ocean environment, to establish a theoretical framework for the ocean environment dynamics of the China Seas and the adjacent oceans, to develop new technologies for monitoring and simulating ocean environment, and to provide scientific and technical support for sustainable exploration of marine resources and national security. The director of SODE is Dr. Dake Chen, and the Scientific Advisory Committee of SOED is chaired by Academian Jiping Cao.

The scientific staff of SOED is grouped into three research directions: technology and application of marine satellite remote-sensing, coastal ocean dynamics and ecosystems, and ocean circulation and short-term climate variability. There are also three technical platforms, including the satellite ground station, the Argo data center and the numerical computation center. In addition, the laboratory has an array of advanced equipments capable of both coastal and open ocean observations.

At present, SOED consists of 33 research scientists, 6 technicians and 3 administrative staff. Among them there are 2 academians and 19 senior-level scientists, 18 have a doctorate degree, and 3 are decorated as distinguished experts at national level. Additionally, there are 13 adjunct scientists from other domestic and foreign institutions. SOED is developing into visible identity in oceanography led by world-class scientists and powered by a young, energetic, and versatile research team.