Research Fellows stay at the IAS-STS usually from the 1 October to 30 June. In exceptional cases, this period may be shorter or longer, but should not exceed two years.

Visiting Scholars usually work at the IAS-STS for a shorter period (e.g. a month).

The Director of the IAS-STS decides on appointments after consulting the Scientific Advisory Board. In order to ensure an interdisciplinary structure and wide variety of methods, the Institute endeavours to appoint Research Fellows and Visiting Scholars from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. Moreover, the IAS-STS endeavours to appoint an equal number of male and female researchers.

Research Fellows and Visiting Scholars are expected to write a publication on the subject of their work for the IAS-STS Yearbook, to give lectures, to take active part in seminars, workshops and the annual IAS-STS Conference. The working language at the IAS-STS is English.