According to the Romberg Tiburon Center's mission statement, The center performs basic scientific research, educates and trains the next generation of scientists. Its scientists pursue research in their laboratories at the Center, at field sites around the world, and through collaborations with colleagues at other universities and institutions. As an affiliate of SF State University, the Center provides its students with graduate and undergraduate level courses as well as practical experience gained through research conducted in the laboratories of the Center's scientists.