CIPSM is represented altogether by twelve coordinators, two from each research area and an overall administrator. The twelve coordinators organize the six research areas. They represent the most renowned researchers and hence form the main decision-making body within CIPSM. We plan to balance between TUM and LMU, so that in most cases one coordinator from each research area will come from the TUM and one from the LMU (7+5 at the moment). The twelve coordinators will establish a board with 4+2 members. Four members, two from LMU and two from TUM are mainly responsible for research, education and recruitment, and they represent this Cluster of excellence towards their respective university directorate. Two members are particularly responsible to supervise the recruitment and handling of the promotion of the many young W2tt scientist as well as to raise the awareness about gender issues. Once a year there will be a general assembly of all research group leaders working in CIPSM. The general assembly has to agree on the budget plans of the next year which is to be proposed by the steering board.

On a day-to-day basis, the twelve coordinators will lead their individual research fields rather independently. They are responsible for the budget allocated to their research in their field and they will conduct the hiring processes. Regular meetings of the twelve coordinators with the board members will be organized (minimum every three months) to manage CIPSM as a whole. The idea is to give each research unit maximum independence and to enable fast decisions, without losing the integrity of CIPSM and endangering its long-term goals. Nevertheless, this board has to approve appointments made within the research areas. The speakers’ (central coordinator) role is to maintain contact between CIPSM and the universities and other research organisations. The speaker represents the Cluster and will therefore negotiate with both universities on matters like teaching as well as financial and personal issues.

Recruitments and cluster activities such as symposia, workshops, public relations, knowledge transfer, as well as the CIPSM budget and its core facilities will be coordinated and managed by a professional administrator who will be assisted by two secretaries. This core administrative facility will support the coordinators and the speaker (central coordinator). The scientific personnel will obtain more time for research when these activities are handled by expert staff. Recruitment and general promotion of graduate students will be supported by the administration of both Munich Universities.