The Leibniz Association links 96 independent research institutions. Their focus ranges from the natural, engineering and environmental sciences to economics, spatial and social sciences and the humanities.

Leibniz institutes are dedicated to socially, economically and ecologically relevant issues. They conduct knowledge- and application-oriented research, also in the overarching Leibniz Research Associations, are or maintain scientific infrastructures and offer research-based services. The Leibniz Association focuses on knowledge transfer, especially with the Leibniz Research Museums. It advises and informs politics, science, industry and the public.

Leibniz institutions maintain close cooperation with universities - in the form of the Leibniz Science Campuses, with industry and other partners in Germany and abroad. Leibniz institutes are subject to a transparent and independent review process. Due to their national importance, the federal and state governments jointly fund the institutes of the Leibniz Association. The Leibniz institutes employ more than 20,000 people, including 10,000 scientists. The financial volume is 1.9 billion euros.