The aims of the competence centre are the development of a quality assured data base until 2012 and the expansion and specification of this data base for typical applications in Germany in order to make it usable for evaluation and monitoring purposes. The bibliographic databases Scopus (Elsevier) and relevant collections of the Web of Science form the core of this data base.

Furthermore, suitable methods and indicators, an error calculus and an empirically based contribution to the theory of bibliometric measurement will be developed. Experience and corrections of the consortium members made during the developing of instruments will be integrated into the data base and utilized in an ongoing way.

Apart from the research projects, advisory skills will be built up. Last but not least the promotion of young academics within the field of bibliometrics is another aim of this competence centre.