Research center caesar (Center of Advanced European Study and Research) was founded in 1995 as part of the compensatory actions under the Berlin/Bonn law, which were intended to support structural change in the region of the former capital. The independent foundation operates under private law with foundation capital from the governments of Germany and the State of North Rhine – Westphalia.

In April 1999 the first research projects started. Research projects are located at the interface of physics, mathematics, chemistry, medicine, biology and the information sciences. The institution is oriented toward applied research.

As of October 2004, about 220 people from twelve nations worked at caesar.