For a long period in history Germany has had a great impact on Sweden and the whole of Europe. Nevertheless, the scientific contact between the countries has weakened since World War I. German Studies will re-establish and strengthen contacts with Germany in research and education, and vitalise already existing research within the area of the humanities and social sciences. Furthermore, the Centre for German Studies will promote re-growth and increase internationalisation within the field. German Studies is conceived of as a platform for scholars and students in social sciences, the humanities, law, theology, and languages. It will unite different activities, which will contribute to create a centre for excellence, providing: seminars; thematic workshops; fellowships; and post-doctoral research. The Centre will also provide a reference library and a website. Uppsala University already gathers a large number of highly qualified scholars from different disciplines within the field of German Studies. The Centre will not only coordinate German Studies on a national level, but will also promote the research field internationally.