After a brief review of the evolution of scientific themes of ODP,  major scientific achievements made by ODP are listed into two categories,i.e., dynamics of Earth’s environment and dynamics of Earth’s interior. Achievements made in fields such as Earth’s environment change, sediments, fluids and bacteria as the agents for environment change, mass and energy transfer of the Earth’s interior, lithosphere deformation and earthquake have changed our understanding of our dynamic Earth. IODP will follow the idea of Earth system science by proposing broader scientific themes and initiatives in a systematic way. Multiple platforms  will enable IODP to drill deeper and in areas that were not accessible in ODP. Co-operations with industry and other international research programs in Earth science will be enhanced in the IODP phase.