The scientific division of the HZDR is divided into ten institutes. All institutes and research areas receive scientific and technical support from the central departments Research Technology and Information Services and Computing.

In the Energy research field, Helmholtz scientists are working to secure energy supplies and resources in a long-term and sustainable manner and to develop solutions that are economically, ecologically and socially viable.

The The Helmholtz Centers involved in the Research Field Health investigate the causes and development of common diseases. Research into cancer plays an important role in this. The aim is to develop strategies for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of this often complex disease.

In the Helmholtz Research Field Matter, the constituents of matter and the forces acting between them are investigated at very different scales, from elementary particles to structures in the universe.