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Reference Management & Citation

Essential criteria of good scientific practice are transparency and traceability. To meet this responsibility when writing scholarly papers, correct citation is indispensable. A structured, digitally supported literature management system helps to organize sources carefully and to integrate citations accurately and reliably. Our services help you adhere to these principles.

TUM Principles of Good Scientific Practice

In 2021, TUM adopted binding principles of good scientific practice in the Satzung der Technischen Universität München zur Sicherung guter wissenschaftlicher Praxis (TUM-SGwP). These guidelines define clear quality and standards of conduct, thereby ensuring transparency, traceability, and accountability in research and teaching on a long-term basis.

They also include explicit guidance on the careful management of literature and on correct citation practices.

Satzung TUM-SGwP (in German)

Reference Management

For your research projects and theses, you will conduct comprehensive literature research on your topic. A reference management program helps you keep an overview even when working with large amounts of literature, makes correct citation easier, and supports the creation of reference lists.

Students and employees of TUM can download free campus licenses for Citavi and EndNote. In addition, we offer guidance, consultation, and training services for the following software:

Go to Citavi  Go to EndNote Go to Zotero

Which program is the right one for me?

Our Software Comparison Guide provides an overview of major reference management programs. Included are commercial as well as free programs for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The guide is published under a Creative Commons License.

Software Comparison Guide

Citation Practice

Correct citation is the foundation of any serious academic work. It ensures transparency and traceability and also protects against plagiarism. The TUM Citation Guide provides you with fundamental knowledge, information on citation styles, and practical advice on frequently asked questions.

The University Library supports you in working correctly with sources and citations through a wide range of consultation and training services.

Go to Citation Practice