The Institute of Marine Research at the University Kiel, Germany is part of the "Blaue Liste" Institutions. The research activities embrace the study of physical, chemical and biological processes in the ocean. Within the Institute of Marine Research, the Department of Marine Meteorology is responsible for basic research in the field of ocean/atmosphere interactions. Part of this work is aimed to the remote sensing of cloud properties from satellite. Current activities in remote sensing cover radiation budget studies, development of algorithms for microwave remote sensing of cloud liquid water, validation studies for extensive field experiments and the development of algorithms for multispectral remote sensing of inhomogeneous mixed-phase clouds by existing and future satellite systems.