Statutes and Governance

How is the Helmholtz Association organized? What are its central responsibilities? What decision-making bodies does it have and what rights and duties do the various bodies have?

The Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft is a registered association. Its members are 18 Research Centers, which are legally independent bodies. The activities of the Helmholtz Association are governed by its statutes.

The Senate which is made up of external members performs the important role within the Helmholtz Association of making recommendations to the financial sponsors on thematic priorities and funding for research programs.

18 Research Centers are members of the Helmholtz Association. The scientific-technical and commercial directors of these centers meet at least once a year for an Assembly of Members.

The executive committee of the Helmholtz Association includes eight vice-presidents in addition to the President and the Managing Director.

The Initiative and Networking Fund is one of the Helmholtz Association's key instruments in achieving its strategic goals and implementing the principles to which the association has committed itself under the Pact for Research and Innovation.