The esss was launched in 2010 in response to an inadequate supply of training coupled with a growing need for skills in the use of bibliometric data and techniques. The University of Vienna, KU Leuven, the Berlin Department of the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW), and the University of Granada organize this event annually conjointly. These institutions are among the leading players in scientometrics. CORe has been a co-organizer of esss since 2021 and is represented on the Steering Committee.

The esss provides education and training on key aspects of quantitative studies of science and technology research. It gives an overview of state-of-the-art scientometric methods and indicators and their application both in research and in the context of scientific policy advice and research evaluation. The training combines the teaching of basic theoretical principles with the opportunity to become practically familiar with the most important databases, as well as the construction and interpretation of central indicators. The esss is still one of the few training programs – nationally but also internationally – that expressly specializes in teaching knowledge as well as skills and abilities in bibliometrics and attracts participants from all regions of the world. In addition to providing bibliometric expertise, the esss also offers an excellent opportunity for professional exchange with international experts.

The esss targets scholars and scientists, especially doctoral candidates, who want to use bibliometric methods in their research, science managers, research officers, information scientists, librarians, and others with professional interest in science and technology indicators and their application.

The program managers of the esss come from the five participating institutions, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, leading international experts in scientometrics are also recruited as program managers.

The esss is conducted on a rotating basis at the sites of the participating institutions.

In 2022, the esss will be held in Berlin as scheduled.