diff --git a/docs/contributing.md b/docs/contributing.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1efc882
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+++ b/docs/contributing.md
@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+# Contributing
+
+## Project Context
+
+This package computes IAMC variables from PyPSA network results and is part of the PyPSA-AT project (PyPSA-AT – a nationally tailored, fully sector-coupled energy system model for Austria). The initial set of IAMC variables is defined in [energy-scenarios-at-workflow](https://github.com/iiasa/energy-scenarios-at-workflow).
+
+## Code Style
+
+- Python ≥ 3.12; type hints are required in all function signatures.
+- Docstrings follow the NumPy style (no type hints in docstrings — they belong in the signature).
+- Format code with `pixi run black .` before opening a pull request.
+
+## Function Architecture
+
+- **Statistics functions** in `pypsa_validation_processing/statistics_functions.py` are independent: each corresponds to one IAMC variable and must never import or call another statistics function.
+- Statistics functions may only rely on helpers in `pypsa_validation_processing/utils.py` for shared logic.
+- **Helpers** in `utils.py` may call other `utils.py` helpers, but must never call statistics functions.
+
+## Statistics-Function Conventions
+
+### Naming convention
+
+Function names follow the IAMC variable name with these substitutions:
+
+- Each `|` (pipe / hierarchy separator) is replaced by `__` (double underscore).
+- Spaces are replaced by `_` (single underscore).
+- Other special characters are removed.
+
+| IAMC Variable | Function Name |
+|---|---|
+| `Final Energy [by Carrier]\|Electricity` | `Final_Energy_by_Carrier__Electricity` |
+| `Final Energy [by Sector]\|Transportation` | `Final_Energy_by_Sector__Transportation` |
+
+### Fixed signature
+
+Every statistics function takes `n: pypsa.Network` (one network / investment year) and `aggregate_per_year: bool = True`:
+
+```python
+def <function_name>(
+    n: pypsa.Network,
+    aggregate_per_year: bool = True,
+    <config: dict>,
+) -> pd.Series | pd.DataFrame:
+    ...
+```
+
+Additional optional parameters can be added when a variable needs them, e.g. `config: dict` or `energy_totals: Path`. All class-Variables can be used as parameters. Additional parameters are identified automatically when processing the statistics-function.
+
+### Return format
+
+- `aggregate_per_year=True` → return a `pandas.Series`.
+- `aggregate_per_year=False` → return a `pandas.DataFrame` with snapshots as columns.
+- In both cases, the index must include at least the `location` and `unit` levels.
+
+### Mapping file
+
+`configs/mapping.default.yaml` maps each IAMC variable name to its corresponding function name in `statistics_functions.py`. At runtime, `Network_Processor` looks up the function for each defined variable via this mapping. Variables without a mapping entry are silently skipped.
+
+## Testing
+
+- Tests live only in `tests/` — see the [testing README](https://github.com/maxnutz/pypsa_validation_processing/blob/main/tests/README.md).
+- Write unit tests that test small, isolated logic.
+- Every test for a function in `statistics_functions.py` must assert the output format: a `pandas.Series` with a MultiIndex containing at least `country` and `unit` (it can include more levels).
+
+## Contribution Workflow
+
+1. Open a new issue and select the "New Variable Statistics" issue template (for new IAMC variables) or describe the change you're proposing.
+2. Create a branch linked to the issue.
+3. Implement the change, following the conventions above.
+4. Add or update tests in `tests/`.
+5. Make sure `pixi run test` and `pixi run workflow_test` pass, and that there is no leftover debug code, commented-out blocks, or TODO stubs.
+6. Merge the newest `main` into your feature branch.
+7. Open a pull request and assign [@maxnutz](https://github.com/maxnutz) as reviewer.
diff --git a/mkdocs.yml b/mkdocs.yml
index ef766bb..2f31308 100644
--- a/mkdocs.yml
+++ b/mkdocs.yml
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ nav:
       - Class Definitions: api/class_definitions.md
       - Statistics Functions: api/statistics_functions.md
       - Utilities: api/utils.md
+  - Contributing: contributing.md
   - Additional Information: additional-information.md
 
 plugins: