Scientists at Helmholtz therefore focus research on complex systems which affect human life and the environment.

[2][1] The Helmholtz Association was ranked #6 in 2022 by the Nature Index, which measures the largest contributors to papers published in 82 leading journals.

Examples of Helmholtz Institutes include: The works of the centers are categorised into programmes, which are divided into six research groups.

The Helmholtz Association was one of the initial signatories of the 2003 Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities.

In a September 2004 Resolution the Assembly adopted the following commitment: "Publications from the Helmholtz Association shall in future, without exception, be available free of charge, as far as no conflicting agreement with publishers or others exists."