The research of Kerstin Odendahl covers a wide range of topics of public international law. Central research questions include:

• Which rules apply to the protection of the environment, including the marine environment?
• Which methods of peaceful dispute settlement are the best to be applied for solving the various international conflicts including conflicts on the law of the sea?
• Which is the best way to cope with security problems, including piracy, organized crime at sea etc.?
• How is the underwater cultural heritage protected?