Matthias Held researches methods that combine the changes in the knowledge production of researchers with changes in the specialist fields. For this he uses bibliometric methods, which on the one hand identify the research topics of a scientist in the course of his career on the basis of publications (micro level), and on the other hand can map knowledge dynamics on the level of professional communities (macro level).

Main research areas and interests:

• Bibliometric methods
• Scientometry, mapping of science
• Theory of science

With the appointment of Prof. Dr. Jochen Gläser on 01.06.2019 as Professor at the Faculty I of the Institute of Philosophy, History of Literature, Science and Technology, Matthias Held has also switched to the Department for Social Studies of Science and Technology.