The Directorate is in charge of the academic management of the institute. Currently it is composed of eight members, among them the Managing Director of the institute, Prof. Dr. Jörg Philipp Terhechte The directorate is supported in the fulfillment of its duties by the Research Director, Dr. Andreas Grimmel. All Directors are proposed by the Executive Board and appointed by the Board of Trustees in consultation with the President of the University of Hamburg.