As an association established and registered under German civil law the IWH is composed of different internal bodies through which it is led and coordinated, advised and supervised. These boards include the Management Board, the Supervisory Board, the Members' Assembly as well as the Scientific Advisory Board.

The Scientific Advisory Board advises the Management Board and the Supervisory Board on fundamental technical and interdisciplinary issues relating to the scientific work programme and national and international cooperation. The Scientific Advisory Board should monitor, support and evaluate the research activities of the Institute on a regular basis in an advisory capacity in consultation with the Management Board and the research units.