Research at the GMI is carried out by independent research groups, led either by senior group leaders with contracts of unlimited duration, or junior group leaders with temporary (5+3 years) appointments.  GMI's research activities are supported by its administration and a platform consisting of the GMI's own services, including state-of-the-art plant growth facilities, as well as joint services with the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology and the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology.