The institute devotes itself to research on societal and political developments in Europe.

Furthermore, the MZES, closely related to the School of Social Sciences of the University of Mannheim, gives training and support to young social scientists, when starting their scientific careers.

At present, approximately 80 social scientists and 60 students are working at the MZES.

From 1989–1998 the institute was composed of four work units: In 1999, these four work units were reduced to two research departments: The director and the heads of the research departments together form the executive board of the institute.

The institute's research program is outlined for three years and evaluated by an international scientific advisory board.