(1)   The Scientific Advisory Board advises the Board of Governors­ and the Board of Directors on scientific issues of fundamental importance. It promotes contact with national and international institutions that are working in the same field as the Foundation. 

It gives advice especially on the following matters:

• strategy and planning of the Centre's research and development work, especially within the framework of the Helmholtz-Geme­inschaft­'s­ funding methods;
• promotion of the optimal use of research facilities and 
• infrastructures, including logistic or coordinating work;
• issues regarding collaboration with universities, other research institutions as well as international organisations;
• evaluation of the results. 

(2)      It consists of a maximum of twelve renowned national and foreign scientists who do not belong to the Foundation; in special cases, it may be extended on the basis of a resolution passed by the Board of Governors. The­ members are appointed by the­ Board of Governors for a­ maximum period of four years. They may be reappointed only once. (After being advised by the Scientific Council) the Board of Directors and­ the Scientific Advisory Board may make recommendations.

(3)      The Scientific Advisory Board shall elect a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson from among its members. The person who wins the most votes shall be elected. Unless other determined, the election shall apply for the duration of the term of the elected person. The Scientific Advisory Board may vote the Chairperson out of office without specifying any reasons for this. Even without an important reason, the Chairperson may step down from their function before the end of their term by announcing this decision in writing. These regulations shall also apply for the Deputy Chairperson.

(4)   The Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Governors,­ the full-time members­ of­ the Board of Directors and the Chairperson of the Scientific Council may attend the meetings of the­ Scientific­ Advisory­ Board, unless the­ Scientific­ Advisory Board­ decides­ otherwise in individual cases.

(5)   The Scientific Advisory Board shall meet at least once a year. It may invite guests to its meetings.

(6)   The Scientific Advisory Board may draw up its own rules of­ procedure.