In 1996 the German Bundesministerium fuer Bildung und Forschung (bmb+f) initiated the implementation of four research centers for biomaterials. One of these centers was the Center of Competence on Biomaterials Ulm.

13 departments of the university and the university hospital of Ulm participate in the center. Medical doctors, experimental surgeons, pathologists, biologists, chemicians, biomechanicians and engineers cooperate in testing, development and modification of biomaterials and implants and on biocompatibility of materials in vitro and in vivo.