The Adolphe Merkle Institute is scientifically independent and fully financed by the private Adolphe Merkle Foundation. An external Scientific Advisory Board provides advice on scientific and structural questions. The strategic goals are discussed and assessed in accordance with the Board of the Foundation. The financial and administrative controlling is carried out by the Foundation.
The Institute has an open laboratory structure with a visitors program where scientists can apply for visits of various durations in order to perform experiments at the Institute. This will help to create a vibrant scientific atmosphere and generate new collaborations between the Institute and external groups. AMI will also develop an application laboratory for industrial clients.
Upon completion the AMI will consist of four research Departments. The Department Heads will be fully financed through the Institute, but hired by the University in the position of a full professor. They are thus full members of the Faculty of Science with all the rights and duties of a professor. In return they contribute to the teaching activities with a reduced teaching load of 50% that corresponds approximately to a maximum of 3 hours per week during autumn and spring semesters.
The Institute is lead by an Executive Director, elected by the Board of the Adolphe Merkle Foundation, and the Board of Directors formed by all Department Heads.