When selecting its members, the Wissenschaftskolleg places no limitations on country of origin, discipline, or academic position. Invitations to individual researchers or focus groups are issued with the aid of an international Academic Advisory Board with the aim of fostering mutual stimulation across disciplinary boundaries, between natural and social scientists and humanities scholars, and among differing knowledge cultures.

The Rector and the administrative staff of the Kolleg regard it as their responsibility to offer the invited researchers (Fellows) the best possible conditions for their research work. Academic life at the Kolleg is shaped by the Fellows themselves and should be kept as free as possible of external obligations.