The WZB has two directors, each serving for five years.

The President, Prof. Dr. h.c. Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln, Ph.D., develops central features of research policy and the thematic orientation of scientific units. The Managing Director (N.N.) is responsible for business, legal, and administrative matters.

Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln has been President of the WZB since September 2024. Ursula Noack managed the administrative business from January 2017 to March 2025. The position of Managing Director is currently vacant; Nora Dasch will take on operational tasks during this period as part of her role as an authorized signatory of the WZB.

The management works in close consultation with the directors of the research departments.

Former WZB presidents