The central tasks of the ZQ lie in carrying out evaluations in the area of higher education institutes, providing support to young researchers, advising the subject areas and departments with regard to structural questions, providing support through university didactical measures, and the internal accreditation of degree courses as part of the system accreditation. Furthermore, the ZQ also carries out projects in the area of higher education institute and educational research, as well as evaluations of external programs and projects. Over the past few years it has become apparent that the variety of methodical approaches have helped to provide a sophisticated insight into the position of research, study and teaching, as well as the organization of the subject areas and departments. The objective is to co-operate with the people involved to encourage and support a continuous process of quality development.