diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 971ebcd7..ceb0df10 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -5,7 +5,28 @@ Conceptual and machine-readable versions of the MEx metadata model.
 [![linting](https://github.com/robert-koch-institut/mex-model/actions/workflows/linting.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/robert-koch-institut/mex-model/actions/workflows/linting.yml)
 
 ## project
+## project
+
+The Metadata Exchange (MEx) project is committed to improve the retrieval of RKI
+research data and projects. How? By focusing on metadata: instead of providing the
+actual research data directly, the MEx metadata catalog captures descriptive information
+about research data and activities. On this basis, we want to make the data FAIR[^1] so
+that it can be shared with others.
+
+Via MEx, metadata will be made findable, accessible and shareable, as well as available
+for further research. The goal is to get an overview of what research data is available,
+understand its context, and know what needs to be considered for subsequent use.
+
+After an internal launch, the metadata will also be made publicly available and thus be
+available to external researchers as well as the interested (professional) public to
+find research data from the RKI.
+
+For further details, please consult our
+[project page](https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Forsch/MEx/MEx_node.html).
 
+[^1]: FAIR is referencing the so-called
+[FAIR data principles](https://www.go-fair.org/fair-principles/) – guidelines to make
+data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable.
 The Metadata Exchange (MEx) project is committed to improve the retrieval of RKI research data and projects. How? By focusing on metadata: instead of providing the actual research data directly, the MEx metadata catalog captures descriptive information about research data and activities. On this basis, we want to make the data FAIR* so that it can be shared with others.
 
 Via MEx, metadata will be made findable, accessible and shareable, as well as available for further research. The goal is to get an overview of what research data is available, understand its context, and know what needs to be considered for subsequent use.