According to the statues, the governing bodies of the foundation are the Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors, the Management Board and the Scientific Advisory Board.

The Board of Trustees supervises the management of the foundation. It reviews the economic management and approves the annual financial statements; it grants discharge for the past financial year.

The Board of Directors consists of the heads of the scientific departments and the Administrative Director of the foundation.

The Managing Director and the Administrative Director of the IPK form the management as part of the Board of Directors. They represent the foundation in and out of court. The Managing Director represents the foundation externally, chairs the Board of Directors and conducts the day-to-day business in the scientific area. The Administrative Director conducts the day-to-day business of the administration. He or she is responsible for the budget.

The Scientific Advisory Board advises the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors on scientific and technical matters.

The Managing Office supports the Board of Directors of the IPK Gatersleben in fulfilling its management tasks.