The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) is currently headed by three directors, each of whom is responsible for a division. Every two years, one of the directors takes over the management of the institute in turn; Prof. Jochen Guck is currently the managing director.
In addition to the divisions, there are independent research groups led by young scientists. Currently there are eleven research groups and two emeritus groups at the MPL.
Three Technology Development and Service Units (TDSUs) supervise the key technologies and make them available to the divisions and research groups. In addition, they also pursue their own research projects.
Mechanics and electronics workshops support the researchers by manufacturing custom-fit devices.
There is also a lot to do outside of research: The departments of Building Technology, Purchasing, Finance, Front Office, IT, Communication and Human Resources take care of all organisational processes.
The regular evaluation of the work at the institute is carried out by the Scientific Advisory Board. The Board of Trustees acts as an interface to the social environment.