The Association for Terp Research supports archaeological research into the activities of the former inhabitants of the salt marshes along the coasts of Friesland and Groningen. From 500 BC B.C. people started living here on artificial residential hills, called mounds. In Groningen these are called mounds, in Germany Wurten or Warften. Livestock farming and arable farming yielded a lot in this fertile salt marsh area. Material culture was at a high level from the beginning of settlement.

The association publishes two magazines. These will be sent to members. The association subsidizes other scientific publications and provides contributions to the costs of scientific research. Study meetings and excursions to excavations and exhibitions are organized for members. Where possible, the association contributes to the protection and preservation of mounds and mounds in their landscape context.

The association subsidizes scientific publications, including dissertations, provides occasional small contributions to the costs of scientific research and publishes two journals.