GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences is the largest infrastructure institution for the Social Sciences in Germany. With more than 300 employees in two locations (Mannheim and Cologne) GESIS render substantial, nationally and internationally relevant research-based infrastructure services. Services offered by GESIS can be categorized from the users’ perspective according to the research data cycle. This cycle comprises data and information research, study planning, including empirical research data collection and storage, preparation, archiving and retrieval of research data, on up through the analysis and publication phases. Knowledge transfer is accomplished alongside research at all phases and GESIS supports its users through its own or joint research projects.